Masaye Nakamura passed away on February 13, 2020 at home with her family. She was the steadfast matriarch of her family, leading peacefully but with stout determination. During her lifetime, she lived through and overcame challenges and adversity that would crumble most today. During the war, she was pulled out of UCLA and imprisoned in a government relocation camp simply for being Japanese. Determined to finish her education and better her life for her family, she graduated college as valedictorian in a Midwest town that initially threatened to lynch her. She got her masters degree at Columbia University and went on to get her teaching credential at UC Berkeley where she met her husband and love of her life, Nobby Nakamura. She was the first Japanese American to teach in California schools and spent most of her career educating and counseling for the Oakland Public Schools in the toughest neighborhoods and the poorest schools. When a former student of hers was asked how Masaye was as a teacher, he enthusiastically declared "Everyone wanted to be in her class because you knew you would learn something. She was very tough, but always fair".
Naturally artistic, she filled her home with her many watercolors and abstracts in a home full of light, hers being the brightest.
She loved being involved with her grandchildren, caring and watching over them afterschool with homemade snacks and treats. She organized and hosted every family event, and in later years was able to enjoy some worldwide travel with her beloved husband. She pushed those she loved to be their very best no matter what the circumstance and always made herself available as the best listener of the family. Her spirit lives on but she surely will be missed, most of all her smile which could light up a room.
Just being around her made you feel better, think harder, do more and we are forever grateful for our time on earth in her presence.
Masaye's celebration will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2020, from 1pm – 5pm at the beautiful Wente Event Center, 5050 Arroyo Road in Livermore, CA 94550.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that you make a donation in Masaye's name to J-Sei, 1285 66th St., Emeryville, CA 94608

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 20 to Mar. 15, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Masaye Nakamura

Sponsored by Graham-Hitch Memorial Lic: FD2088.

5 Entries

Dr. Darlene V Willis

July 9, 2020

Mrs. Massaye Nakamura was my junior high school English Teacher and she impacted my life! She believed in me and always gave unconditional love! The last time I saw her, she painted a special piece of art just for me! I still have it and the note she wrote just for me! I've always wanted to go back and visit but life got in the way but truth be told, I wasn't sure she was still with us. As I went to give her kudos in my new book I'm writing, something told me to google her name and I found her obituary! Wow...97 years old! I am Dr. Darlene V. Willis because of Mrs. Nakamura and the other great role models in my life. She even risked losing her job by being committed to take the Frick Junior High School honor roll students to Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm every year! Because of her, those of us who loved school, had a place to go before and after school where we could be ourselves, read, play chess, backgammon and other mind stimulating games! Your life will not be in vain as there are so many of us who you made a difference for and are working with children trying to duplicate what you instilled in us. Rest well our beloved and loved Teacher! WE will NEVER forget you! I thank God for allowing our paths to cross!

Joan Nagano

February 26, 2020

High energy, lots of laughs, lively discussions between the adults, and fun playtime amongst us children, the Nakamura family visits were always a high point for our Nagano family living on the Cnetral Coast. "Auntie Mako", as we called Masaye, always had a big, ready smile and a twinkle in her eyes when she spoke to you, as if she knew something that you didn't. She was a warm, genuine person with a progressive, positive spirit, and we will always remember her with great respect and fondness.

Joan Nagano

February 26, 2020

High energy, lots of laughs, lively discussions between the adults, and fun playtime amongst us children, the Nakamura family visits were always a high point for my Nagano family while we were living on the Central Coast. Auntie Mako", as we called her, always had a big, ready smile and a twinkle in her eyes, like she knew something that we didn't. A warm, genuine person with a zest for living and sharing - we will all certainly remember her fondly!

Ruth Nagano

February 25, 2020

As a dorm-mate of "Mako's" during the early !950's at Cal, I'll always remember her caring
and sparkling personality .
Sincerely, Ruth O. Nagano

February 20, 2020

Offering my deepest condolences to the family, may our God of all comfort give you the strength you need during this difficult time

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