Michiko Miyoda

Born July 1931 Died November 2022

Michi Miyoda, 91, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family.

Born in Atascadero, CA to Matao and Kaoru Kodama, she was the 5th of 7 children. The Kodama family farmed the Atascadero and Arroyo Grande area until they were interned in1942 at Poston, AZ. In 1945, after World War II the Kodamas moved to Seabrook, NJ to work at Seabrook Farms. Michi attended Bridgeton High School, where she received certificates of merit in tennis and basketball.

In 1949, the Kodama family moved to Texas to farm tomatoes and peppers. While there, Michi’s sister Aki, married Mas Narahara and started a family (Nancy, Norman, Gene). After 3 years, the Kodama’s moved to Santa Ana to farm tomatoes and strawberries.

In the 1950’s, Michi married Joe Nakawatase and started a family (Bruce in 1957 and Glenn in 1958). Unfortunately, the marriage did not last, and Michi and the two toddlers moved to the family farm in Santa Ana. In the early 1960’s Michi met Akira “Aki” Miyoda while participating in the Nisei favorite pastime of bowling. They later married and Patrick Eric was born. Over the years, in addition to working on the Kodama farm, Michi worked for the Bank of America, Allergan, the State of California, and various other jobs in-between. Michi and Aki were married for over 50 years, until Aki’s passing in 2016.

Michi and Aki enjoyed the family outings with the Nishiwaki’s and the Tamura’s, fishing trips to Mammoth, trips to Las Vegas, playing host to their son’s friends, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Michi adored her grandchildren (Drew and Rachael) and marveled at how fast they grew from babies to becoming much taller than their grandmother. She was so proud when they grew up and went off to college. Although they missed their grandmother because of the distance, they continued to enjoy a close relationship.

In her later years, she had many physical ailments and soon developed a network of physicians and nurses. She often commented how nice they all were, and in turn, they thought she was one of the kindest, most pleasant patients they ever had.

Michi was preceded in death by her husband Akira, her sisters Rose Watanabe and Fumiko Sasaki, and brother Lui Kodama. She is survived by sons Bruce (Karen), Glenn (Jan), Patrick Eric, and grandchildren Drew and Rachael. She leaves behind sisters Aki Narahara and Mutsu Miyakawa, her brother Seiji Kodama, and many nephews and nieces.

Upcoming Service

Celebration of Life

December 16, 2022

2:00 PM Peek Funeral Home

We would love to hear about your favorite stories or remembrances. Please leave them on the Peek site. Thank you for being a part of her life.