Amy Emiko Nishikawa

Amy Emiko Nishikawa passed away peacefully at her home on August 12, 2020, at the age of 86 from complications of congestive heart failure. Amy, the youngest of five, was born on October 5, 1933, in Los Angeles, CA to Shuzo & Yoshiko Yoshimura. During WWII, as a young child, Amy and her family were incarcerated at Manzanar Relocation Center. When the war ended, the family was released and returned to the Los Angeles area where Amy completed her education.

In 1956, Amy married Frank Nishikawa, and they relocated to Fresno in 1958 where they raised their family of five children. Amy was a devoted wife and mother who always supported her children’s numerous school and extracurricular activities whether she was watching marching band reviews or all-day judo tournaments, sporting events, or attending 4-H activities. She did it all! Amy was proud of her 11 grandchildren and attended their many sporting events, fundraisers, and dance recitals. In addition to devoting time to her family, she took joy in baking, bowling, tai chi, and traveling. Amy and Frank traveled to Europe with friends, and made several trips to Japan and Hawaii. Many summer vacations were spent going to Pismo Beach where she loved to fish and clam. When Amy turned 60, the family planned a bus trip to Reno for a memorable weekend of dining, gambling, and golfing with family and friends. Amy was quite the “Queen of the Slot Machine”. She and Frank were regulars at Chukchansi Casino where they enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. Amy was an active member of the Fresno Buddhist Church and taught Sunday school when her children were young. She was involved with the Fresno Buddhist Women’s Association and Project Dana’s Homebound Meals program. Amy’s kind heart and smiling face will be missed by all who knew her.

Amy was preceded in death by parents, Shuzo & Yoshiko Yoshimura, sister, Mihoko Saito, and brothers, Sam & Roy Yoshimura. Amy is survived by her husband, Frank, and their children, Gail Yamagiwa (Wayne), Judy Osato (Russell), Martin Nishikawa (Jennifer), Lori Imamura (Rodney), and Randy Nishikawa (Chenée). Amy is also survived by her older sister Kazy Kitaoka in Irvine, and leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Kyle, Kacey & Connor Osato, Gillian Yamagiwa, Jaret & Drew Nishikawa, Ty & Kyla Nishikawa, and Isaak, Kai & Eli Imamura, and her large extended family. The family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Aoki for his compassionate care during Amy’s illness, and to Physical Therapist, Tina Rodriguez, for her kindness and support.

Due to Covid-19 guidelines, a private family burial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers or koden, donations may be made in Amy’s memory to the Fresno Buddhist Church, 2690 E. Alluvial, Fresno CA 93720, or Project Dana, c/o Fresno Buddhist Church.