Nobuko Massoni

Nobuko Massoni, a resident of Killeen Texas for 56 years, passed away at her home on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at the age of 91. She was born on April 6,1931, in Tokyo, Japan, to Sakutaro Kaneko and Namiko Yoneda.

While vacationing at Mount Fuji, Nobuko met the love of her life, John Massoni, who was stationed in Japan with the U.S. Army. They married in 1953 and welcomed their son, George, in 1954.

Living the military life, Nobuko moved to many different cities; her favorite place to live was in Germany. She appreciated the culture and the yummy food. The family settled in Killeen in 1966 and Nobuko became involved with the local SGI Buddhist community. Her faith was very important to her and she never missed a community meeting or prayer time. She was part of the Killeen Senior Center dance group and was proud to dance with the ladies at local venues. For many years, she was a member of the Japan Association in Killeen/Fort Hood and enjoyed participating in their monthly gatherings and yearly festivals.

Throughout her life, Nobuko owned many dogs: German Shepherds, Pomeranians, Poodles, and most recently, a Yorkie. Those who know her can attest to her being “dog crazy”. Her fur babies brought her much joy. In addition to loving her fur babies, Nobuko had many hobbies. In the evenings, she could be found crocheting, doing puzzles, beading, coloring, or watching tv. She was obsessed with watching Japanese game shows and Samurai movies, but her absolute favorite thing to watch was Korean dramas (with Japanese subtitles of course). Nobuko also loved to shop and spent many days at the PX on Fort Hood shopping for her next Coach purse or outfit. She was an adventurous spirit and willing to try almost anything. She made sure that her granddaughter took her to try new things - new restaurants, stores, experiences. There was almost always a silly story that followed the events which had transpired (like the time she called Lady Gaga, Lady HooHa) and the outings usually included eruptions of laughter. Nobuko had a generous heart and took care of those around her.

She will be lovingly remembered by her son, George (Wanda) Massoni; her granddaughter, Katrina (Marvin Sackin) Massoni; her sister, Dee (Kaneko) McKittrick; and her extended Humeston, Bonner and Wilbanks family. Nobuko was preceded in death by her mother, father, sisters, brothers, and her husband, John.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the Baylor Scott and White Hospice staff: Gracie, Daschelle, Bonnie, and Leilani; Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple; Killeen Nursing and Rehab; and Advent Memorial Hospital in Killeen. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society, SGI-USA, or the Animal Rescue of your choice.