Noriko Goto Palmer

Noriko Goto Palmer

1940 - 2024

Noriko Goto Palmer, 84, of Seattle, Washington, passed away peacefully on September 6. Born on July 8, 1940, in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, she was the third of six children of the late Kazuo and Shichino Goto.

Noriko spent her early years in Hiroshima, where her father ran a lumber mill, and survived the difficult post-war years after the atomic bombing. She was a free spirit from the start-an adventurous tomboy who preferred climbing trees and riding her bike through the streets of Hiroshima over traditional roles. In 1965, she graduated from Vassar College in New York, after transferring from Sophia University in Tokyo. It was during her time at Vassar that she met her beloved husband, Doug Palmer. They were married in 1965 and spent 59 wonderful years together.

The couple lived in several places, including New Haven, Boston and Tokyo, before settling in Seattle in 1974, where they raised their two children, Colin and Kari. Noriko was a dedicated wife and mother who balanced her family life with a passion for community work. She was the founder of several media ventures aimed at connecting the Japanese community in Seattle, including a Japanese radio and television program, a local Japanese-language magazine, and other print media.

Noriko also had a deep love for travel, and she and Doug spent their married life exploring the world together, usually preferring to venture off the beaten path, eventually purchasing a home in Tuscany, which they enjoyed for many years. Her adventurous spirit, warm hospitality, elegant sense of style and commitment to her Japanese heritage made her a cherished figure both to her family and in her community.

She is survived by her husband, Doug Palmer; her son, Colin (Gianina); her daughter, Kari (Rob Weinsheimer); her two granddaughters, Mari and Noemi; and two of her sisters, Tamie Hobart (Chicago) and Takechiyo Yokota (Hiroshima). She is also remembered by her extended family and many dear friends.

A private memorial service will be held for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations in her name to the Seattle Japanese Garden (the Arboretum Foundation) or Japan Fair (www.japanfairus.org), organizations that were close to Noriko's heart.