Miki Iwata

Miki Iwata, retired Captain, USN, Naval Nurse Corp, passed away on June 12th .She was born in 1941 in Montebello, CA Following her family’s internment in Poston, AZ during World War II, she was raised in Seabrook, NJ and graduated from Bridgeton High School in 1959. A graduate of the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Phila, PA, she went on to attain her BA in nursing, and was a certified nurse practitioner.

Miki enlisted in the Navy in 1966. She served in Vietnam on the USS Sanctuary and on the USS Yosemite, among the first women to serve on a Navy ship. She was assigned to many stations throughout the world, retiring after having served 29 years in the US Navy with numerous awards and citations.

Captain Miki is survived by a brother Masahiro Iwata (Carolyn)of Baltimore, MD ; a sister Misao Walck (Roger) and her husband Roger of Wilmington, DE; a sister Michi Muchisky (Thomas) of St.Louis, MO; and a sister Misono Miller (Ronald) of Millville, NJ. She will be sorely missed by her ten nephews and nieces, and her 16 grand nephews and nieces.

While retired she had many volunteer activities including visiting the sick, mentoring children after school, providing assistance to the homeless, and serving as a national officer in the Navy Nurse Corp Association. She relished her mornings at the downtown YMCA and the friendships made, especially in her Tai Chi classes at which she excelled. She loved children and animals.

Miki was an active member of the Conway United Methodist Church, a member of the choir and Church Council, and in charge of establishing the Stephens Ministry for those in crisis.

Miki was known by her family and friends for her genuine caring for others, her fun-loving spirit, and her willingness to lend a helping hand wherever needed.. All who knew Miki are better for it and will truly miss her.

Funeral will be held at the Conway United Methodist Church at 3401 S. Conway Road, Orlando, on Monday, June 20, with viewing and visitation at 9:30am-11am and funeral service at 11am, with reception following.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Conway United Methodist Church at 3401 S. Conway Rd, Orlando32812; the Orlando Downtown YMCA at 433 N. Mills Ave, Orlando 32803; or the Naval Nurse Corps Assn, at PO Box 5983, Virginia Beach,VA 23471. Services entrusted to CAREY HAND COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME/ 407.898.2561. Please visit our website at www.careyhandcolonialfh.com to offer condolences to the family.