Grace Aoki

On our first trip to Portland we stayed with a friend in the neighborhood and stopped at the 34th Food Center. Ten years later we bought a house one block away and visited Grace and her family at the store frequently. Grace made the store a neighborhood gathering place where everyone was welcome, neighbors became friends, and children had to be polite! We missed seeing her after the family left the store, but were glad that she finally had large garden! We will keep fond memories of Grace...

I am so sorry to the Aoki Family to read that you have gone through a tremendous loss. I live on Hayden Island, to the north of Sellwood. That her family endured internment and she spoke openly of it is a lesson from a committed teacher & neighbor. She made a huge impact on this world. She is a giant in my book. Peace to her family & all who love her.

I was a neighbor of Grace´s for over 30 years. I will always remember her steadfast and consistent sweeping and cleaning of her sidewalk, like clockwork. She was friendly and enjoyed visiting about how the neighborhood had changed. She shared about her families internment and her resilient nature was clear. We both had teaching in common and I enjoyed her stories. She talked proudly of her two sons. I was saddened to know she hadn´t felt well the last couple years but glad her family was...