Chizuna Tamura, a former Hood River resident, died July 1, 2008 at her home in Portland.
She was 85.

The daughter of Kichizo and Asayo Noji, Chiz was born in Parkdale on June 28, 1923. The Noji family raised apples and pears on their upper valley orchards; and she and her brothers Mamoru, Satoru, and Toru assisted their parents with farm chores after school, on weekends, and during vacations.

During World War II, when the U.S. government incarcerated all West Coast Japanese Americans, the Noji family (among other Hood River residents) was removed to Pinedale assembly center and Tule Lake concentration camp in northern California and eventually transferred to Minidoka camp in Idaho. In January 1945, when the government allowed Japanese Americans to leave the camps and return to their homes, the Nojis became the first family to resettle in the Hood River valley.

Chiz married Harry Tamura on June 6, 1948; and the couple farmed in Odell for 33 years. After selling their orchard, they moved to the West Side, where they continued their passion for working the soil by growing flowers and vegetables in their large garden. In 2000, the couple moved to a Portland retirement community.

A craftsperson at heart, Chiz sewed, knitted, embroidered, crocheted, decorated cakes, and made sachets; she also loved baking and gardening. During her daughters’ school years, she was a co-leader in their Blue Bird and Camp Fire groups and their 4-H clubs. Chiz was a member of the Pine Grove Methodist Church and the Japanese American Citizens League. In Portland, she and her husband volunteered regularly at the Adventist Medical Center.

Chiz is survived by daughters Linda of Tualatin, Karie Jean and husband Tedd Wright of San Diego, California, and Judi of Portland; grandchildren Chris Wright of New York City and Alissa Wright of San Diego; and 12 nieces and nephews.

Respecting her wishes, family members will share their memories at a private remembrance. Interment will be at Idlewilde Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Oregon Encyclopedia (www.oregonencyclopedia.org) or care of the Portland State University Foundation; the Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center; or the Adventist Medical Center Volunteer Services, in care of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont, Hood River, Oregon, 97031.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031. Please visit our website to view and print the obituary and sign the guest book for family. www.andersonstributecenter.com