Kazue (Sekiya) Iwatsubo

Kazue Iwatsubo passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 11, 2021. She was 98 years of age. Kazue was married to Mike Iwatsubo for 40 years until his passing in 1988. She spent most of her life in Fresno, California. Kazue had three children- Grant Iwatsubo (deceased), Janet Iwatsubo Tamura, and Thomas Iwatsubo.

Kazue was gifted with an appreciation of music and the arts. She was a recognized concert pianist and a skilled teacher who taught piano for many years. Kazue's musicianship developed during her college years. When the Internment of Japanese Americans began during World War II, her college instructors supported and campaigned for Kazue to be allowed to continue her studies in the Midwest in Des Moines, Iowa. They created a program where she was able to study at Drake University, and lived with a Quaker family who sponsored her during the war years.

After the war, she married Mike Iwatsubo and continued her commitment to higher education by employment in the Music Library at Fresno State University. After raising her family, Mike and Kazue traveled the world and both achieved the highest rank in bridge of life masters. She was active with the Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple. She would play the piano and organ for Buddhist services and the choir.

Kazue was a tireless advocate of family values. She believed in making every effort to assist family members who experienced difficult times. During Mike Iwatsubo's and Grant Iwatsubos's fatal illnesses, she nursed both of them during their final hours.

She is survived by her daughter and husband Janet and Frank Tamura, son Thomas Iwatsubo, grandchildren Leslie, Kenny and Bradley Tamura; sister in law, Sophia Iwatsubo; nephews, John and Bill Iwatsubo; sister in law, Hiromi Iwatsubo; and nephew and nices Gene (and his family), Dale, Shari and Sandra Sekiya. The family would like to thank Kazue's many friends for their care and love and support.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11:00 am, at the Lisle Funeral Home 1605 "L" Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lislefuneralhome.com for the Iwatsubo family.