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Jean Tamiyasu
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Obituary for Jean Tamiyasu

Jean  Tamiyasu
Jean Kiyomura Tamiyasu passed away peacefully in her sleep at her residence in Brookside Manor, Hood River on Sunday, May 5, 2013. She was 88 years old.

Born January 14, 1925, in Portland, Oregon to Ichiro Kiyomura and Shizuye Yumita Kiyomura, Jean was the fourth of seven siblings. She attended public schools in Portland, including Lincoln High School, though her education was interrupted by WWII's Japanese relocation order.

The Kiyomura family was evacuated to Minidoka Relocation Center, an internment camp in Idaho, from 1942-'45. Jean graduated from high school there, leaving soon after to work in St. Paul, Minnesota as a licensed practical nurse for the Shriner's Childrens' Hospital.

Jean returned to be with her family, who had re-settled in Vanport, Oregon's second largest city at the time. Jean was then employed at St.Vincent's Hospital in Portland. The Memorial Day flood of 1948 demolished the family's Vanport home, as well as all worldly possessions. Following the flood, the Kiyomuras moved to Tibbetts Street in southeast Portland.

Jean met Mitsuge Tamiyasu through her mother and Mits' father, from the Portland Buddhist Church, and following a whirlwind romance, they married in August 1957. They raised four children together --Stanley, Eric, Teresa, and Ramona. Jean and Mits celebrated 53 years of marriage until Mits' passing in 2011.

Jean delighted in the company of friends, neighbors, and her beloved extended family. As a newcomer to the rural orchard life, she quickly became adept at all aspects of country living, forging lifelong friendships and perfecting domestic talents. Her expertise preserving jams and jellies, canning every sort of fruit, and particularly, baking delicious pies, was exceptional and legendary. She was surrounded by gardens tended by Mits and the family; brim-full of gorgeous vegetables and flowers. In addition to running the household, Jean assisted in maintaining the Tamiyasu orchards. She did beautiful embroidery and crochet work, and also knitted countless hats and booties as welcoming gifts to newborn babies. She co-instructed a 4-H Sewing class for her daughters and their school friends. Jean loved the Portland Trailblazers, sewing and handwork, singing church hymns and songs from the '50s, playing piano, sharing a good laugh, and writing letters. Her lovely cursive handwriting and sunny correspondence kept her connected to a myriad of far-flung relationships throughout her life.

Jean was baptized over 30 years ago into the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Hood River. She volunteered for many years at the church's Dorcas Services Center, sorting and distributing clothing and food and sewing dozens of piecework quilts for the needy. Her church and congregation was a treasured source of joy and hope each and every week.

Perhaps most of all, Jean was the caring heart and soul of her family, --her kind disposition, optimism, love and encouragement nourished dreams and aspirations for her husband and children. She expressed quiet wisdom, sincerity, and graciousness in everything she did.

Jean Kiyomura Tamiyasu is survived by her children, Stan (Cindy Honma), Teresa, and Ramona (Tom Garofalo); grandchildren Evan Tamiyasu, Christofer Tamiyasu, and Benjamin Garofalo; brother Kazuo Kiyomura; sister Mitsy Takeoka (Tom); and many nieces and nephews and their children. She was preceded in death by husband Mits and beloved son Eric. Jean will be immeasurably missed by all whose lives she touched.

Charitable donations in memory of Jean may be made to The Seventh Day Adventist Church of Hood River.

Memorial services for Jean Kiyomura Tamiyasu will be held Sunday, May 26, 1:30-3:00pm at the Hood River Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1223 Oak Street, Hood River, OR 97031. Parking lot entrance on State Street, one block south of Oak Street. A reception following the service will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist School, 1100 - 22nd Street, Hood River, OR.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.

Please visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for family.
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