TANAKA, EDITH KAZUE, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in San Francisco on Dec. 7, 2017.

She was born in Sacramento on July 31, 1925. She graduated from high school in Tule Lake internment camp. In 1947 she earned her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. While in New York training as a dietitian, she met her future husband, Frank Yonekazu Tanaka. They were married in Sacramento on Oct. 15, 1950. Before raising her four children in San Francisco, Edith worked as a dietitian at Stanford Hospital. She enjoyed traveling the world with her husband through his business, Tanaka Travel Service.

For many years Edith proudly served San Francisco’s Japanese American community as a leader and volunteer. She was a member of Christ United Presbyterian church since the 1960’s and served as a deacon, church elder, choir member and volunteer. Edith was the first woman and longest-serving president of the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California. She played a pivotal role in its early years including during the construction of the center in 1987.

Up until a month before her passing she continued to lead an active life; attending church, exercise classes at the Y and going on field trips with the Kimochi senior group. She loved seeing her grandchildren, going out to eat and watching her beloved Warriors and Giants on TV.

She is survived by her children Susan Tanaka (Kurtis Chin), Carol Tanaka (Clifford Chow) and Joan Tanaka (Mitchell Lam), six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Tanaka, and her son, Robert.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at Christ United Presbyterian Church, 1700 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115 at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation may be made in her name to the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of San Francisco (JCCCNC), 1840 Sutter St., San Francisco, CA 94115, Christ United Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.