OBITUARY: Midori Kotake

Midori Kotake

June 30, 1927 – Oct. 17, 2022

KOTAKE, MIDORI (MIDY), a resident of San Jose CA, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2022 at the age of 95 years. She loved taking care of her orchids, garden, fruit trees and vegetables. During her younger years she enjoyed bowling, golf, traveling and entertaining friends.

Midy was the 3rd of seven children born to Kiyoshi and Shigeyo Ishibashi. During WWII the Ishibashi family was interned at Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Wyoming. Upon her return to San Jose, she met her husband, Kingo Kotake. They owned and worked a farm for many years and eventually began Fuji Landscape Gardener business together. They remained happily married until Kingo’s death in 2000.

Midy is survived by daughters Donna Kotake (Edward Wong) and Mona Richard (Chuck), grandchildren Chuteh Kotake (Yunice), Kiyoshi Kotake and Brad Kotake Ozawa (Tanaya Farahani), great granddaughters Kate and Callie Kotake. She is also survived by her sister Eleanor Sekigahama (James) and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers or koden, please make a donation to your favorite charity.