Sophie Imai (93) passed away March 14, 2020 at Parkhurst Place in Hood River, Oregon.
She was born on February 14, 1927 in Sherwood, Oregon to parents Inosuke and Tsu Tomita
In the early years, Sophie lived in several farming communities throughout Oregon and Washington. In 1942 at the age of 15, she left her home in Sherwood, Oregon when her family was interned in Minidoka Relocation Center in Hunt, Idaho. While in camp, she met life-long friends and graduated from Hunt High School in 1945. After camp, she lived and worked in Boise, Idaho and then moved to Portland, Oregon where she attended secretarial school. She worked in Portland in the early 1950’s and had two roommates with Hood River connections; that association would change her life.
On February 6,1955, she married George Imai at the Sunnyside Methodist Church in Portland Oregon. Sophie and George moved to Hood River, then Dee, and eventually built their house in Odell.
She was employed at R.E. and Tom Scott, Champion Dee Hardboard Plant and did bookkeeping for George’s Automotive.
Sophie was active with the Epworth Methodist Church in Portland, Oregon. She was a member of the Odell Methodist Church, JACL, life-long member of the VFW Auxiliary. She also volunteered at FISH for many years. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, RV travel, and 4-wheeling in Oregon and Utah. She loved her flowers, friends, and family. Many family barbecues were held at her home. She will be remembered for her kind and thoughtful nature, her warm smile and laugh.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, George Imai, daughter Teri (Tom) Dahl , sister Mae Tomita, brothers-in-law Cliff Nakamura and Tetsuo Imai, and many nieces, nephews and their families.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Phil Kato, and brother Ike Tomita,
A private gathering will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to Providence Hospice of the Gorge or Providence Foundation Sunshine Club c/o Anderson’s Tribute Center.
George, Teri and Tom would like to thank family, friends, Providence Hospice team and Sunshine Club for all their help and support.