Toshie Nakamura-Heard

Toshie Nakamura Heard was born on 8 February 1926 to Taiji Nakamura and Yoshie Uji Nakamura in Tokyo, Japan. Toshie was the oldest of four with two sisters and one brother: Chisuko, Teruko, and Katsutoshi (Taka). She grew up in Kawasaki, Japan where she was a mid-wife and helped support her family through the war. She met Vance Heard who was teaching electronics in Japan after the war and they married on 16 February 1956. Toshie and Vance had two children, Jack and Laura. Toshie worked for years as a cook and baker for the Beaverton School District and then at Marika's Restaurant and finally at Lowe's. She worked at Lowe's until she was 86 years old, winning Lowe’s employee of the month multiple times. Toshie worked hard to support her family and was a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She was an accomplished seamstress and cook. Toshie had a core strength that helped her overcome many hardships and had a compassionate and generous heart. She also loved to laugh and infused her life and those around her with humor and optimism. Her smile would make all those who knew her feel welcomed and loved. Toshie is survived by a son Jack Heard, daughter Laura Heard, sister Teruko Suzuki and many nieces and nephews.

Because you held

Hope for our lives

even before we were born

Because you gave us a name

And a beginning to a

beautiful life journey

Because you taught us that

kindness really does matter

and that believing in ourselves gives those

around us permission to do the same

You are our beloved mom

and we are your son and daughter

always connected

always together

Memorial donations in Toshie Heard's name are suggested to one of these organizations:

The Hearthstone Employee Benefits Fund,

Hearthstone of Beaverton, 12520 SW Hart Rd, Beaverton, OR 97008 (not tax deductible)

Hospice of the Northwest,

PO Box 1376, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (they also have a website)

Alzheimer's Association, alz.org.

Thank you for your consideration.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pegg, Paxson & Springer Funeral Chapel. Our entire staff extends their condolences to the Family and Friends of Toshie Heard. May your fond memories of her sustain you during this difficult time. It has been an honor to serve you. Thank you for the trust you have placed in us.