Yo Hironaka
Hironaka, Yo, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2012, in San Francisco. Yo grew up in San Francisco and spent most of her adult life as a San Francisco resident. During World War II, she was incarcerated with her family at Topaz in Utah prior to her relocating to the Midwest for the duration of the war. She was a longtime community volunteer involved with a number of organizations and remained active until recently. She served on the board of directors of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California and the San Francisco Chapter of the JACL for decades. Yo organized the Chapter’s October health fair each year. She also was a Deacon at the Christ United Presbyterian Church and a longtime Sunday school teacher. She received multiple honors and awards for her community service.
She was the loving spouse of the late David “Taxy” Hironaka and loving mother of the late Marcia Hironaka. Her parents, Konosuke and Rui Kiwata, and brother, Kenichi Kiwata, preceded her in death.
Yo is survived by several nephews, a niece, great-nephews, and great-nieces. She is also survived by Angeline Ong, the mother of two of her great-nephews and a great-niece, who provided friendship and support over the years.
Yo will be remembered for her community service, her strength, her independence, and her love for the Giants, 49ers and Warriors.
Yo touched the lives of many, both young and old, and did so in a way not to bring attention to herself. She will be missed by her family, friends and community.
Yo wanted to thank the staff of Sutter Care at Home (San Francisco) and The Avenue for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to a charity of your choice.
A memorial service and celebration of Yo’s life will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC), 1840 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA. For further information, please contact the JCCCNC at 415-567-5505.
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