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In Memory of
Mary
Imai
Imai
1925 - 2015
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Obituary for Mary Imai
Mary Toda Imai died in Hood River, Oregon on Saturday, November 28, 2015. She was born June 1st, 1925 in The Dallas, Oregon and was 90 years of age at the time of her passing.
Mary grew up in The Dalles and attended The Dalles High School until WWII when her family was evacuated and sent to the Pinedale assembly center in California. They were relocated to Japanese Internment camps at Tule Lake in Califonia and again, to Minedoka in Idaho. After graduation in 1943 from Tri-State High School at Tule Lake, her twin sister Marie headed to Clinton, Iowa for nursing school and six months later, Mary followed to also complete a nursing degree through the US Cadet Nurse Corps at Jane Lamb Memorial Hospital. Shortly after the war ended she returned home to work as an RN at The Dalles Hospital.
Mary was married in The Dalles to Shige Imai in 1949 which pleased both their families as the Toda’s and the Imai’s had been long time friends before emigrating from Japan. After moving to Hood River, her career path eventually led her to work as a Special Duty RN at Skyline Hospital in White Salmon, Washington and the Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River. Nursing was a profession Mary was very proud to be a part of.
In December of 1957, Mary and Shige welcomed the adoption of their daughter by flying in a snowstorm to Denver, Colorado to meet her. They returned home to raise her in the beautiful Hood River Valley.
Over the years, in addition to Mary’s professional career, she was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, County election board and the American Legion Auxiliary. She helped many youngsters get a good start in life by serving as a Brownie Leader and then as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts in the community of Dee Flat. She was a member of the Odell Methodist Church, The VFW Women’s Auxiliary and the JACL.
In later years she thoroughly enjoyed her involvement and all the close friends she made with her Rebekah Sisters at the Hazel Rebekah Lodge #156. Mary served as Noble Grand and was pleased with the opportunity to serve her community. Even after moving into assisted care, she continued to give of herself by embroidering decorative squares which were sewn into beautiful quilts by her Rebekah Sisters for auction to help raise money for those in need. Mary was known for her handicrafts and the beautiful creations she shared over the years with many family and friends. One of her most favorite things was the connection she made with her animal companions. She was as ‘smart as a whip’ and an avid reader. She enjoyed word puzzles and speaking Spanish. She taught herself how to play the piano and she also enjoyed walking with her dogs at night while stargazing.
Mary’s laugh was infectious and although diminutive in stature, she can be remembered as a firecracker with a quick wit; friendly personality and a welcoming smile. She will be deeply missed by her husband Shige, of 66 years, and their daughter, Sheri Imai-Swiggart and son-in-law, Brad Swiggart of Portland, Oregon as well as many friends she made along the path of her life journey.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Choshiro and Kumano (Iwagami) Toda; sisters, Tazuko Toda, Suzuye Ogawa, twin sister, Marie Akita and Lena Hoffman; brothers, Frank Toda, Harry Toda and Tom Toda; nieces, Shirlee Ann Saxton, Julianne Beliel and Arlene Schlosser; nephews, Terry Toda and Dale Imai. She is survived by many remarkable nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews as well.
Memorials in Mary’s name are encouraged and should be directed to Hospice of the Gorge in Hood River. The family wishes to thank everyone in attendance today and for your expressions of sympathy and support. Many thanks to Dr. Maria McCormick and the staff of Hawks Ridge Assisted Living who took such good care of her. A special thank you to Pastor Tim Willis for his spiritual and loving guidance throughout our journey.
Mary grew up in The Dalles and attended The Dalles High School until WWII when her family was evacuated and sent to the Pinedale assembly center in California. They were relocated to Japanese Internment camps at Tule Lake in Califonia and again, to Minedoka in Idaho. After graduation in 1943 from Tri-State High School at Tule Lake, her twin sister Marie headed to Clinton, Iowa for nursing school and six months later, Mary followed to also complete a nursing degree through the US Cadet Nurse Corps at Jane Lamb Memorial Hospital. Shortly after the war ended she returned home to work as an RN at The Dalles Hospital.
Mary was married in The Dalles to Shige Imai in 1949 which pleased both their families as the Toda’s and the Imai’s had been long time friends before emigrating from Japan. After moving to Hood River, her career path eventually led her to work as a Special Duty RN at Skyline Hospital in White Salmon, Washington and the Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River. Nursing was a profession Mary was very proud to be a part of.
In December of 1957, Mary and Shige welcomed the adoption of their daughter by flying in a snowstorm to Denver, Colorado to meet her. They returned home to raise her in the beautiful Hood River Valley.
Over the years, in addition to Mary’s professional career, she was a volunteer with the American Red Cross, County election board and the American Legion Auxiliary. She helped many youngsters get a good start in life by serving as a Brownie Leader and then as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts in the community of Dee Flat. She was a member of the Odell Methodist Church, The VFW Women’s Auxiliary and the JACL.
In later years she thoroughly enjoyed her involvement and all the close friends she made with her Rebekah Sisters at the Hazel Rebekah Lodge #156. Mary served as Noble Grand and was pleased with the opportunity to serve her community. Even after moving into assisted care, she continued to give of herself by embroidering decorative squares which were sewn into beautiful quilts by her Rebekah Sisters for auction to help raise money for those in need. Mary was known for her handicrafts and the beautiful creations she shared over the years with many family and friends. One of her most favorite things was the connection she made with her animal companions. She was as ‘smart as a whip’ and an avid reader. She enjoyed word puzzles and speaking Spanish. She taught herself how to play the piano and she also enjoyed walking with her dogs at night while stargazing.
Mary’s laugh was infectious and although diminutive in stature, she can be remembered as a firecracker with a quick wit; friendly personality and a welcoming smile. She will be deeply missed by her husband Shige, of 66 years, and their daughter, Sheri Imai-Swiggart and son-in-law, Brad Swiggart of Portland, Oregon as well as many friends she made along the path of her life journey.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Choshiro and Kumano (Iwagami) Toda; sisters, Tazuko Toda, Suzuye Ogawa, twin sister, Marie Akita and Lena Hoffman; brothers, Frank Toda, Harry Toda and Tom Toda; nieces, Shirlee Ann Saxton, Julianne Beliel and Arlene Schlosser; nephews, Terry Toda and Dale Imai. She is survived by many remarkable nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews as well.
Memorials in Mary’s name are encouraged and should be directed to Hospice of the Gorge in Hood River. The family wishes to thank everyone in attendance today and for your expressions of sympathy and support. Many thanks to Dr. Maria McCormick and the staff of Hawks Ridge Assisted Living who took such good care of her. A special thank you to Pastor Tim Willis for his spiritual and loving guidance throughout our journey.
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