Yoshiko Yamamoto

Yoshiko Yamamoto passed away peacefully with family by her side on July 31, 2015 at the age of 92. Yo was born on April 29, 1923 and raised in Concord, California. She graduated from Mt. Diablo High School and soon after was interned at the Gila Relocation Camp in Arizona during World War II. While in camp she worked as a dental assistant. When she was allowed to look for work outside of camp she moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where she met and married her husband Dr. Masao Yamamoto. After the war, they moved to Clovis to raise their three children Mason, Joanne, and Kathy.

Yo was a very devoted wife and mother who enjoyed her hobbies of growing beautiful flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables. She was especially proud of her huge chrysanthemums and succulent tomatoes. Yo was a wonderful cook who made tasty homemade foods for her family and friends. Her sushi and tsukemono were fan favorites! In her youth, Yo was a very good bowler and over the years she really enjoyed playing the slot machines. She had the lucky touch!

Whether you knew her as Yo, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma or Auntie Yo there will always be a special connection to her spirit, smile, touch, voice, warmth and love. She was greatly appreciated, genuinely loved and will forever be in our hearts.

Preceding her in death were her loving husband of 68 years Dr. Masao Yamamoto, her parents Sanzo and Yasu Kanagaki, son Mason, brother George Kanagaki, and sister Ayako Kanagaki.

Yo is survived by her sister Miyako Sakai, daughters Joanne Kozuki (Kent) and Kathleen Toda (Yas); grandchildren Kristi Walshe (Chris) and Jeff Yamamoto (Rozalyn), Katie Kozuki and Sarah Kozuki O'Malley (Jimmy), Casey Toda and Candace Toda; great-grandsons Nico and Enzo Yamamoto, and Ethan James O'Malley.

A Memorial Service will be held Fresno Betsuin Family Dharma Center, 2690 E. Alluvial Ave., Fresno, Ca. 93720 on Sunday, August 30, 2015 at 11:00 am.