Mary Nakai

Mary Nakai passed away on October 23, 2008. She was born Mitsuko Hisamoto on August 31, 1918 in Sterling, Colorado, to Fred and Tora Hisamoto. Mary had four siblings: one sister, Ruby Taziri, resides in Greeley, Colorado and brother, Sho Hisamoto, who resides in Maui, Hawaii. Her sister, June Todoroki and brother, George Hisamoto, preceded her in death. Mary attended the Colorado State College of Education and she worked as a bookkeeper for First National Bank. Mary was married to Fumio Nakai in Greeley, Colorado on November 9, 1941. Shortly after their marriage, Fumio volunteered to serve his country in World War II. He was also the Manitou Springs Fire Chief from 1959 to 1963. Fumio was a past president of the Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club and served on the Kiwanis Foundation. Mary served as a constant support to Fumio as he was active in the Boy Scouts and a board member of Manitou School District 14. Fumio passed away February 11, 1963. Mary and Fumio are well remembered in Manitou for their volunteer contributions to the community and the curio shop they operated on Manitou Avenue. Mary and Fumio Nakai had three sons who survive: Robert E. Nakai, who resides in Acworth, GA, with his wife, Sue; James W. Nakai, who resides in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife, Rhonda; and Joe A. Nakai, who resides in Crystal, MN. During most difficult times, Mary was a strong and dedicated mother who made sure that all of her sons had strong moral and educational foundations. While Mary continued to operate the family business in Manitou Springs, she proudly watched all three sons graduate from college. Mary loved gardening and travel, and just as her husband Fumio, she was an accurate and diligent record keeper. She continued to travel throughout her life, enjoying cruises with her friends and celebrating her 80th birthday in Las Vegas. Mary most recently celebrated her 90th birthday with her family and dear friend, Janet Davis, from Winslow Court. Mary's generous and loving spirit is remembered by her sons and daughters-in-law, and her nine grandchildren: Aaron Nakai, Corey Nakai and wife Susan, Brian Nakai and wife Sarah, Mike Nakai, Jason Nakai, David Nakai, Andrea Nakai, Laurence Zeller and wife Dawn, and Elizabeth Deppe West. Mary was blessed with the longevity to meet and enjoy her great-grandchildren Ashton, Amaya, Elizabeth, Matthew, Collin, Drew, and Ty. Mary also leaves two brothers-in-law, one sister- in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends throughout Colorado, Arizona, and Hawaii. The Nakai Family wishes to thank all the friends and caretakers at Winslow Court and the Life Care Center in Colorado Springs. Their compassionate care meant so much to Mary and even more to her family and friends. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 11:00 am at the Community Congregational Church in Manitou Springs with a reception to follow. Memorial donations may be made to P.E.O. Chapter K, c/o Ginny Davlin, 1232 Hill Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, or Community Congregational Church, 103 Pawnee Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829.