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BORN

1926

DIED

2022

Yuriko Hanamoto Obituary

Yuriko Hanamoto
February 2, 1926 - February 12, 2022
Yuriko Hanamoto died of natural causes at age 96 in February 2022. Born Yuriko Kakiuchi in Sacramento in 1926, she spent her high school years incarcerated at the Minidoka concentration/relocation camp in Idaho. Like many families of Japanese descent on the West Coast during WW2, Yuriko and her family spent most of the war in camp. After their release she moved to San Francisco where she went to work for the US Social Security Department.
Yuriko married Asa Hanamoto in 1950 and lived in San Francisco until moving to Mill Valley in 1954. As a long-time Mill Valley resident she raised her family and kept their home there until her passing. Yuriko is survived by her two sons Mark and Gary, and Anna Sohlberg as the daughter she never had. Anna was a Swedish exchange student who became an extended family member after her stay with the Hanamoto family 50 years ago, and they remained very close over the years. Yuriko is also survived by her granddaughters Caitlyn and Katy, and several great-grandchildren.
Asa, her beloved husband, preceded her in death in 2015.
Yuriko happily worked at Tamalpais Elementary School in the library, reveling in helping children enjoy reading. She spent many years as an avid tennis player, world traveler, and consummate gardener. An excellent cook and gracious hostess, she loved to welcome large groups of family and friends to her home, and her New Year's Day feasts were legendary. Although family and friends were her joy, she also enjoyed her card games and trips to the casino. Enjoying life was her passion.
Appreciation of art and beauty were always a significant influence in her life as she loved her painting, ceramics, quilting, and Ikebana. Yuriko also traveled to many if not most of the major art museums internationally, and she loved immersing herself in many different cultures.
A celebration of life will be held later this summer.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 31 to Apr. 8, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Single Memorial Tree

Dorothy Markiewicz

Planted Trees

Hal Coy

April 27, 2022

You have our deepest sympathy for the passing of Yuri. My mom Glenda who is now 97 is living at a senior home in Novato, learned today of Yuri's passing. My mom and Yuri use to be very good friends at the Mill Valley Senior center until aging forced them apart. They would play many games like Skipbo, Rummikub, and various other card games which they very much enjoyed. My mom would always mention how nice Yuri was and how bright her smile was. On one occasion Yuri gave my mom a gift of a bonzai tree and she was so excited about the generosity and how beautiful the gift was. My mom also met one of the sons who I think lived in South S.F. and said he was a very nice young man.
Rest in Peace Yuri.....Hal and Glenda

Nancy Jo Heaton

April 14, 2022

I loved Yuri! I taught kindergsrten at Tam Valley for many years, and often interacted with her! We have a home in Inverness, where I entertained the retired teachers, and she often attended. Please keep me posted, as to when the memorial is scheduled, as zi would love to meet her family! Many thanks! Nancy Jo Heaton

David Chittenden

April 13, 2022

I have many fond memories of times that we/I spent with her and Asa
Please accept my condolences
David Chittenden

Nancy Martini

April 11, 2022

I never knew her, but just read her obituary in the Chronicle. I am in awe of her exemplary life and her strength of character after such trauma during her high school years. Thank you for being such an inspiration.

George Irvin

April 5, 2022

Sincere sympathy to Hanamoto family. To Gary and Mark-my former students at Tam HS-my thoughts are with you.

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