May Karamatsu Harada

She was born on October 13, 1919 in Sebastopol, CA to Waiichi and Nobu Karamatsu. When May was four years old, her parents decided to return to Japan to care for her grandmother. May was educated in the school system on the island of Oshima in Yamaguchi-ken prefecture. After high school she extended her education to include homemaking skills in cooking and sewing which made her a perfect bride when she married Toshio Harada in Japan in October 1938. The following year she sailed to Seattle to join her husband. He had returned earlier to set up their household. Three years later when WWII began, she, Toshio and daughter Yukiko Irene were interned in Minidoka, Idaho. Life was grim there, but they managed, and Michiko (Mary) was added to the family. In 1945, May and family returned to Seattle. She and Toshio raised their daughters and later added Susanna Yoko to the family.

May and Toshio owned a mom-and-pop grocery store where the Frye Museum is located today. As her children grew older, she worked for a catering company where she used her culinary skills. At home she cooked traditional Japanese meals, as well as American ones. She made many delicious dishes for New Year’s Day, birthdays, family picnics and other family functions.

Being a long-time member of the Seward Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church brought great joy to May’s life. She appreciated all the fellowship and made many good friends. When she could no longer attend weekly services, the congregation lovingly kept her close in their hearts and prayers.

Mom outlived nearly all her contemporaries, but these last few years she was thankful to have the love and support of the extended Harada family and the many friends of her children. She and her family were also incredibly grateful for the excellent care she received at the Viewhaven Adult Family Home in North Seattle.

May was preceded in death by her husband, parents and three siblings. She is survived by her daughter Irene Mataka (John), Michiko (Mary) Harada, Yoko Cullinan (Tim); two grandsons Chris Mataka (Geraldine), Scott Mataka; and four great grandchildren Avery Mataka, Sebastian Mataka, Kiko Mataka, Sachi Mataka and Karamatsu nieces and a nephew in Japan.

In honoring our Mother’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Donations may be made in May’s memory to Providence Hospice of Seattle or a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Harada family.