Noriko Harumi Yamaguchi

Upon America’s involvement in WWII, Nori and her family were interned at Fresno Assembly Center then were relocated to Jerome Relocation center in Arkansas. Nori’s father served as block manager and treasurer. At one point Nori was eligible for a sponsorship working for a doctor’s family in Ohio. Although her parents were against it, Nori was a rebel and took the job. She was one of three Japanese American girls in this doctor’s home. Nori learned how to help clean the large home, sew, care for the children, cook and serve formal dinners. She said she was always treated with respect.

One evening she was off and dining at the small Ohio town’s only Chinese restaurant when in walked three Army men. They were on a train break for dinner on their way east to catch ships and fight in Europe with the famous Army 442nd. Ironically, two of the soldiers were from Fresno and Nori had gone to school with them. The third soldier was Jimmie Yamaguchi from Bellevue, WA. Nori said she took one look at him and made up her mind that she was going to marry him. You all know the rest of that story.

After the war Nori and Jim started their life together in Spokane and later moved to Seattle where they had Bob, Mary Kay (named after that Ohio doctor’s daughter, Mary Katherine), and Fred. Jim worked at the post office while Nori did laundry for wealthy families in Broadmoor. Later she worked at Bush Garden as a server, and then at the Polynesia (where she met Larry) followed by Canlis as well as volunteering at the Wing Luke Museum.

Nori loved her kids and those of her siblings. She took many fishing/camping trips to the Pot Holes with her family as well to Drum and Bugle Corps competitions always making sure to bring some of the cousins with them. As the kids grew older, Nori joined Jim in the love of golf. At one point they belonged to several golf clubs and traveled around the USA on vacations. Hawaii was her favorite. It always bothered Jim that Nori had had 2 “holes in one” whereas he’d only had one.

Nori was an avid reader despite being busy with Bob, Mary Kay and Fred, and later with her grandkids. Family events always involved food, laughter and more food.

In 2018 Nori moved to an assisted living complex in Lynnwood, Pacifica Senior Living, and as Mary Kay had progressed with her Aphasia and Dementia, they became roommates. Nori really perked up as she had a new “cause” – take care of her little girl. It was easier for the family with Mary Kay’s move knowing that she still recognized her Mom. While at Pacifica, Nori enjoyed the visiting musicians, the game days, outside walks in the garden, lunches out with family, a manicure-pedicure, getting her hair washed and set, and rides down to watch the Edmonds ferry come in.

At 103 Nori still had a profound love of seeing her great grandchildren, eating Hawaiian or Japanese food and listening to family tell stories to one another.

Nori was truly a role model. She showed all of us that with a little grit and willpower that many hardships and life challenges can be overcome.

Nori is the last of her siblings but leaves a great family tradition – sons Bob (Patti) and Fred, son-in-law Larry (Karen), grandchildren Jayna (Kao), Jim (Amber), BJ (Maria), Katie (Levi), Adam (Kim), and great grandchildren Jordan, Mady, Olivia, Kayla, Evvy, Miles and Lily. She felt lucky to have so many nieces and nephews as well who treated her like a second Mom.

Nori will be missed for her smile and her appreciation of a simple kind gesture, and how she held us so sweetly with her little but beautifully strong hands.