KOHAMA, TOMI, 98, passed away peacefully in San Jose on May 30, 2011. She was the dear wife of Ankichi Kohama for 72 years, until his passing in 2007. She is survived by her daughters Akiko Kohler (Bobby), Kazuko Bray, Kyoko Kohama (Don), son Kunio Kohama, seven grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her son Yasuhide.

Tomi was born on the small island of Ishigaki, south of Okinawa. After completing Ko-to-ka, she went to Taiwan. There she met and married Ankichi, also from Ishigaki Island. She had three daughters there. After WWII, the family moved to Okinawa where two sons were born. In 1975, Tomi and Ankichi came to California to be near their children.

One of Tomi and Ankichi’s proudest moments was when they became U.S. citizens. Tomi was a longtime supporter of the Okinawa Kenjinkai and member of the JACL (Japanese American Citizens League) Senior Club of San Jose. She was also a devoted member of S.G.I. (Soka Gakkai International).

Tomi was a gentle soul. She had a kind and compassionate personality and her unforgettable smile was as warm as the sun and gave everyone hope for a beautiful tomorrow.

Memorial services are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 17, at the S.G.I. Community Center — 1875 De La Cruz, Santa Clara, CA.