Helen "Aki" Yamaoka

Oct. 4, 1948 – Jan. 30, 2017

Resident of San Jose, CA

Aki Yamaoka, beloved wife of George Yamaoka, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family after a prolonged battle with pancreatic cancer.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Helen Masaki and brother Richard (D’Ann). Aki is survived by sisters Irene Christensen (Carl), Christine Chen (Larry), brothers Victor, James, and John, sister-in-law Bonnie Yamaoka, brother-in-law Larry Yamaoka (Vickie) and over 60 devoted cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Aki was an avid golfer and member of various local women’s golf clubs. When she was not on the golf course, she enjoyed creating ceramic pottery for her family and friends, sewing, cooking, crafting cards, and designing artistic Japanese floral arrangements. Aki and George also enjoyed many golfing trips to Hawaii and travels abroad together.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 9, 2017 at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 North Fifth Street, San Jose.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Aki’s memory may be made to Stand Up To Cancer, American Diabetes Association or your favorite charity.

Arrangements under the direction of Willow Glen Funeral Home, San Jose, CA.