Haruko Honda

Haruka “Harkie” Hori Honda, 83, peacefully passed away in her home from cancer on March 14, 2015. Born in Terminal Island in San Pedro Bay, California to Yataro and Tome Hori. Harkie was the third of the four children.

Harkie was predeceased by her husband of 30 years, Stanley, who passed away from ALS in 1983. She is survived by her sons: Lorence and wife Diane of Fresno, CA and Daniel and his wife Lauren of Los Gatos, CA; grandchildren Ryan and his wife, Kimberly, Marissa Honda and Gavin Honda and sister Sakiko Doi of Visalia.

Harkie left Terminal Island at an early age when the family moved to San Francisco, CA. They lived there until the onset of WWII when they were incarcerated at the Heart Mountain Internment Camp in Wyoming. Upon release from Heart Mountain, Harkie’s family lived shortly in Denver, Colorado before moving to Monterey, California in 1946.

Harkie returned to Monterey schools and graduated from Monterey Union High School and Healds college of Oakland. She married Stanley Honda of Monterey in 1953 and stayed home raising her sons until 1966 when she went to work for Dr. Dean Ishii, dentist in Seaside for over 20 years.

In retirement, Harkie enjoyed many activities at the Seaside Oldemeyer Senior Center where she attended many different exercise classes and was an avid line dancer. She enjoyed trips and cruises with her friends and family. She loved walking around Robert’s Lake and knitting afghans for family, friends and charities.

Harkie was a member of the Monterey JACL and the Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Church. She was always willing to serve with a kind and generous heart. Her friends and family will miss her dearly.

A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made in to: City of Seaside Senior Program, 986 Hilby Ave, Seaside, CA 93955 or Hospice of Central Coast, 2 Upper Ragsdale Suite #D120, Monterey, CA 93940