Masako (Uota) Kobayashi passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at her home in Madera, California. She was 96 years old. Masako was born on August 21, 1927, in Fresno, California to Kantaro & Shigeno Uota. She attended school in Ivanhoe, California and along with her family during WWII, she was interned at the Poston Relocation Center in Arizona. Masako was married to Louie Kobayashi on April 28, 1951, and raised her four children on the family vineyard ranch. After her husband’s passing in September of 1969, she ran the family farm while attending to her children’s various activities and caring for her in-laws. Masako enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, babysitting grandchildren, sewing, and making delicious meals for her family and friends. Her family and extended family always felt welcome visiting Madera and staying at her home. Fellow farmers and neighbors loved dropping by to have a cup of coffee and to visit with her. She was able to travel in her retirement to many national parks, Europe, Australia, Japan, & Alaska. But nothing gave her more pleasure than to spend time with her grandchildren and most recently her great-grandchildren. She will be missed immensely by all.
Masako was preceded in death by her husband, Louie Kobayashi; her parents, Kantaro & Shigeno Uota; her siblings Haruye Oto, Sueko Abe, Yasuko Kagawa, and Masami Uota. She is survived by her sister Kazuko Ego, and sister-in-law Itsuko Uota; daughter Lynn Noritake and Dean; sons Gene Kobayashi & Doris Takayama; Wesley Kobayashi and Nancy; and Robert Kobayashi & Judy. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Ryan Kobayashi (Krista), Daren Noritake (Tina), Alison Noritake (Terence Usis), Katelin Gau (Connor), Stephen Kobayashi (Sarah), Thomas Kobayashi (Ka), & Jamie Kobayashi (Sarah) and four great-grandchildren; Julien, Hana, Connolly, & Maya and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank her caregiver, Norma Rodriguez and husband Alberto Solano for their care, support, and love for Masako over the years. Thank you to Masako’s many doctors and St. Agnes Home Health & Hospice for their care, kindness, and guidance. Your expertise was truly appreciated.
Memorial Service for Masako will be held Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 11:00 am at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L Street, Fresno, CA 93721.
