Toshiko Okamoto

August 16, 1923 - October 27, 2024

Toshiko passed away peacefully at Nikkei Manor in Seattle, WA, at age 101. She was predeceased by Tosh, her beloved husband of 68 years, her parents Sadako and Tokio Akagi, and sisters Masako and Michiko.

She is survived by her sister Kachi; her four children Joyce, Susan, John and Sheila; her nine grandchildren; and her nine+ great-grandchildren.

She actively supported them in hundreds of activities. She loved hosting and celebrating gatherings with the large extended family.

Toshiko (“Toshi”) was born and raised in Seattle. During her senior year at Broadway High School in 1942, she, her family, and her community were forced by the US government to leave their homes. They were incarcerated, initially held at the Puyallup Fairgrounds (“Camp Harmony”) and then moved to the Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho. Toshi returned to Seattle following World War II, and worked as a medical secretary at Providence Hospital, then became a school secretary at Seward Elementary.

She and Tosh owned and managed several apartment buildings. Always ready for new adventures, Toshi took up skiing and golfing after retirement. She also enjoyed fishing, mushroom picking, hiking, clam digging, traveling, and hosting family and community gatherings. Tosh was a founding member of “Issei/Nikkei Concerns” which included Keiro Nursing Home, Ayame Kai Guild, Nikkei Manor Assisted Living, and Kokoro Kai Day Program, and Toshi was an enthusiastic supporter.

One of Toshi’s many volunteer activities was leading and organizing the baking and selling of hundreds of delicious homemade apple pies for an annual Ayame Kai fundraising event - an event that she was “planning” even on her last days. On her final Monday, she participated in Nikkei Manor’s daily exercise class, won at Bingo, and was proud and happy to cast her ballot for “Pamela” Harris for President of the United States.

The family especially appreciates the attentive and loving care provided by caregivers from Day By Day Nursing Care and Nikkei Manor staff.

Remembrances may be made to Keiro NW, Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church or NVC Foundation.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.