Cherry T. Kinoshita

Cherry T. KINOSHITA Cherry T. Kinoshita passed away peacefully on July 29, 2008 at Swedish Hospital. Born in Seattle on October 13, 1923 to Eiichi and Yo Tanaka, Cherry grew up in the Green Lake area. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1941, she was interned in the Minidoka Relocation Center during World War II. There, she met her future husband, Masao Kinoshita, who she married in 1948. Relocating back to Seattle in 1950, she made a home for her familyâ€"her husband, parents, brother, and son Kyleâ€"first in the Mt. Baker neighborhood, and then in the south Beacon Hill area. Cherry always had a strong sense of justice and belief in American ideals, which motivated her to help lead a successful national effort to obtain redress and an apology from the U.S. government for the unjust internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. She also worked on efforts for restitution from the State of Washington and Seattle Public Schools for their unwarranted wartime actions against Japanese Americans. For this persistent work over 15+ years, Cherry is currently a finalist for the 2008 Purpose Prize, received the Jefferson Award in 2004, and was bestowed other important honors over the years. Despite these accolades, she always deflected praise, giving credit to her colleagues and their team effort. Cherry's determination also led her realize her youthful dream of completing her college degree -- at age 60, with honors, from the University of Washington in 1984. Despite health issues, she was active and energetic, and she was a devoted and loving wife, mother, aunt and grandmother to her immediate and extended family. She was passionate about wanting the best for them all. She helped to run the family business, Capitol Hill Automotive, until her husband retired. Most recently, she was a part of the Lakeshore Retirement Community. In her last days, she received gentle and respectful care from the Swedish Hospital staff. Cherry was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Ben, George and Ken Tanaka, and her husband Masao. She is survived by her son, Kyle, who was at her side when she passed away; daughter-in-law Susan, granddaughter Katie, and family members in the Chicago and Portland area. At her request, private family services will be held. Remembrances may be sent to the Japanese Americans Citizens League Seattle Chapter, Nisei Veterans Committee, and Keiro Nursing Home.