Meriko (Meri) was born in Yakima to Hatsugoro and Same Toda on January 23, 1929. She was the younger sibling of Terrance, Katashi, and Tokiko. She enjoyed her childhood in Yakima, helping run her father’s vegetable stand.
After spending a short time at the Heart Mountain Internment Camp, Meri and her family moved to Seattle where she graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Nursing.
In 1952 Meri married Satoshi Hirata and had three children (Gary, Dale, and Diane). She worked in nursing for many years as she balanced her career with the raising of her children. After retirement, Sat and Meri traveled to many places around the world and enjoyed their life together.
Meri’s family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Alderwood for their great care and kindness over the years. Even though she wasn’t memory impaired Meri chose to remain at this memory care facility after her husband’s passing because of her love for the employees there. Meri is survived by her son Gary Hirata, daughter Dale Hazapis, daughter and son-in-law Diane and Victor Bogstie, sisters-in-law Michi Hirata, Mary Hirata, and Kiyo Toda, grandchildren Kevin and Kristin Hirata, and numerous nephews and nieces. Meri’s parents, husband, and siblings preceded her in death.
A graveside memorial service will be held June 17 at 3:00PM at Evergreen Washelli, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to the Alzheimer’s Association of Western Washington, in Memory of Meriko Hirata.
https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1
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