Sumiko Nakamura

January 21, 1927- May 19, 2024

Sumiko “Sumi” Nakamura passed away peacefully in Monterey, CA on May 19, 2024 at the age of 97.

She was born on January 21,1927 in Salinas, CA to Isao and Masa Ikeda. The life she knew was changed forever in 1942 when Executive Order 9066 was signed, incarcerating all persons of Japanese ancestry into internment camps for the duration of World War II. She was interned at Poston, Arizona from the time she was 15 to 18 years old. She graduated from Poston High School in 1944.

In 1949, she married the love of her life, Kei Nakamura. They planted their roots in Monterey, CA where they raised their two children, Susan and Keith.

Everything Sumi touched was made more beautiful. She loved to arrange flowers, host elaborate dinner parties, and was active in the Monterey Bonsai Club. She was an amazing cook and the food she prepared looked like a work of art. It was a true expression of love.

More than anything, Sumi enjoyed time spent with her family and friends laughing and telling stories. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who always brought her so much joy.

She is survived by her siblings Susumu Ikeda, Sachiko Ikeda, and Kazuko Nose; son Keith Nakamura (Jana Nakamura); son-in-law Toru Sakai; and grandchildren Kristine Heintzberger (John Heintzberger), Brent Nakamura (Nikki Nakamura), Trisha Walters (Rob Walters), and Lisa Nakamura. She also leaves behind 7 great grandchildren: Kai, Kade, and Kole Heintzberger; Nixie and Bryce Nakamura; and Paige and Reese Walters.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kei Nakamura, daughter Susan Sakai, and brothers Shigeru Ikeda and Minoru Ikeda.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.