Seiko Gardner

Seiko Gardner was born February 1928 in Morioka, Iwata-ken, Japan. She passed away December 29, 2020. She had two older sisters and one younger brother. She is survived by her 100 year old sister who resides in Morioka. Seiko lost her father at age 8 and her mother supported her children by repairing kimono. Her family was very poor and after the war started she said at school they were not learning, only doing manual labor as most men were sent away with the war effort. She said it was not fun. At age 16, Seiko saw a flyer needing clerks. She tested and was surprised she passed! She left for Tokyo to train. From Tokyo, she was sent to Manchuria and worked at an Air Force base. She said they had food and shelter there, but it was very scary. When the war ended, she and fellow workers came out to find all the planes gone. They had to walk back towards Japan. After returning to Japan, there was nothing in Morioka so she went up to Sapporo, Hokkaido. She worked in a little snack shop and met her American husband. After many moves as a US Army spouse (New York, Fort Ord, Kyoto, Colorado, Germany, Washington state and Okinawa), Seiko's final move was to San Francisco in 1971. She worked at the cafeteria in the Presidio for many years with a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge. She also worked in Japantown at the Kabuki Hibachi for many years. Seiko moved into Hinode Towers, Nihonmachi Terrace, in March 1992 where she worked caring for elderly Japanese tenants. She also worked at Super Mira for many years making sushi. Seiko was very active with the social activities at Hinode such as bingo, helping with holiday meals, and cooking for various fundraisers. Seiko was preceded in death by her son, George Gardner and grandson, Christopher Gardner and daughter-in-law, Takae Gardner. She leaves behind son Joseph (Yun) Gardner; daughter Shirley (Jim) Garrett; grandchildren Kenneth (Lucinda) Gardner, Michael (Nicolette Paterson) Garrett, June (Zach David) Garrett and great grandchildren, Jakob, Samantha and Maya. The Gardner and Garrett family are grateful for the support and kindness of the many friends who shared their lives with her. We will miss her beautiful smile and laughter. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in her honor.