Mikie Onishi

Mikie ONISHI Mrs. Mikie Onishi died peacefully Monday, September 26th, at her son's home in California. She had a long active, healthy life, but became unexpected ill only four months ago and despite treatment she quickly succumbed. However, despite weakness, she was comfortable, kept her good humor and was playing cards up to a few days before her passing. Mikie was born in Gresham, Oregon and raised with her two sisters by her parents Yaeno and Fumio in Portland. Her education at Lincoln High was curtailed because she and her family were interned in Minidoka, Idaho where she graduated High School and met her future husband, Tom. After the war, Tom was drafted and Mikie was a hair stylist in Chicago until she married Tom. They soon moved to Seattle to start a family while caring for Tom's aging mother. After her two sons became old enough, Mikie worked as an office manager for Dr. John Campbell until retirement. In 1978, while her sons were in school, Tom died and Mikie took over the care of the house and family. Mikie was a avid bridge player but also enjoyed golf, poker, and dancing. She volunteered at the Nisei Veterans Lunch program and other Issei/Nisei senior citizens activities. She belonged to many varied social groups. She is survived by her two sons, Howard and Robin, two sisters Takae and Sachi, many loving nephews and nieces, and family pets Simon, Brady, and Putter. She had a special place in her heart for animals especially dogs, but also quietly fed and named the neighborhood cats. We will all miss her kindness, smile, grace, sense of humor and how she always put other peoples needs before her own. Mikie requested that the she not have a Memorial Service and the immediate family will be having only a private remembrance. The family apologizes for any miscommunication about other events or gatherings that may have been expected, but we know that those who loved and miss Mikie will be remembering her as the caring gentle lady who much preferred to be behind the scenes and not the center of attention. The family thanks the many people who have expressed concern and offered help and condolences and would ask that anyone who wishes could make a donation to the Nisei Veterans or the American Cancer Society in her name.