Misao "Misa" Fukano

Misa was born on August 11, 1929 in Hanford, California, the eldest daughter of Sayoshi and Toshie Nakauchi. Throughout her life, she looked up with admiration to her older brothers Mark (Lea) and Yosh (Kiku) and tried to always protectively looked after her younger sister Tamiko. She was preceded in death by her younger brother Elmer.

Misa’s childhood was interrupted in 1942, when her family was evacuated to both the Jerome and Rohwer Relocation Centers in Arkansas during the internment of Japanese Americans in World War II. She began her high school years at the Jerome Center’s Denson High School. Following their release from Rohwer, Misa attended Bridgeton High School in New Jersey and graduated from Hanford High School in California in 1947.

Misa’s career path took her to San Francisco, where she attended the French Hospital School of Nursing, where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse on September 6, 1951. Just as important as her degree were the lifelong friendships she formed with her classmates. Misa returned to Hanford following graduation, where she served as a nurse at the Kings County Hospital until its closing. She then transferred to Hanford Community Hospital, eventually becoming a surgical nurse. Misa continued to serve the community until her retirement in 1995. She loved being a nurse and remained in close contact with her coworkers, whom she warmly thought of as family.

Retirement found Misa at home with a book in hand, John Grisham and James Patterson being two of her favorite authors. She also loved to travel, visiting various locations around the world including Japan, China, Great Britain, Ireland, Wales, the Caribbean, Switzerland & the Panama Canal. Closer to home she visited Canada, the continental United States and Hawaii. Still active in the week of her passing, she had a trip planned to California.

Misa loved most of all to spend time with her family. “Mom” will lovingly be remembered by her two daughters, Margery (Wayne) & Janet (Hugh); two sons, Robert (Elizabeth) & Darryle (Izabela); and her eight grandchildren, Matthew, Jeremy, Rachael, Sarah, Riley, Tana, Emma, and Andy. Misa’s greatest gift was being an example of a life lived graciously, with humor, compassion, generosity, and quiet strength. Misa will be laid to rest in Hanford according to her wishes. A memorial service will be held for friends and family at the Peoples Funeral Chapel at 501 N. Douty Avenue, Hanford, California on Thursday, February 16 at 10:00 am.