Janice Masako Kumasaka

August 12, 1937 – October 25, 2024

Janice Masako Kumasaka was born to James Masao Matsuoka (1913-2013) and Amy Emiko Matsuoka (1913-1989), in Kent, WA, August 12, 1937. She had a younger brother, Richard Kanju Matsuoka (1943-1992).

In 1942, Janice (4) was forcibly detained at the Tule Lake Internment Camp, CA. Jan’s internment story can be watched here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbV7bPOnJIw

After returning to Seattle, Janice graduated from Franklin High School, and the University of Washington. In 1959, she married Henry Akio “Ham” Kumasaka (1934-2020). “Ham and Jan” raised four children: Kyle, Kerri, Koby, and Kory.

Janice was active in city, state, and national politics: Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Director, two-term Seattle School Board Member (First Asian American Woman elected), Washington State Human Rights Commissioner, and two-time Democratic national delegate.

Her community activism included First Hill Lions club president, Northwest Asian American Theater board member, and driving the campaign to create 9-1-1 services in King County (one of the first in the nation).

Jan loved games: Scrabble, bridge (Master), and slot machines. She was renowned for her poker skills at “The Lakeshore.” In her last days, Lakeshore residents visited and commented on how she took their money, but were looking forward to her return to the poker table.

Janice is survived by three sons (Kyle, Koby, Kory) and one daughter (Kerri), two daughters-in-law (Deby, Therese) and seven grandchildren (Mice, Panos, Mateo, Kai-zen, Emma, Akio, and Sofie).

In lieu of flowers and koden, please consider a donation to one of Jan’s favorite charities: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church; Seattle, WA; or the First Hill Lions Club, Seattle, WA; or the Democratic Party.