Joanne Hisako Kobori

Joanne was the beloved mother of three devoted sons, Michael (Sachiko Nagai), Kenneth, and James (Lena Jang), and the cherished grandmother of Anne, Ellen Kobori Fox (Eli), Steven (Isabel Yang), and John. She is also survived by her sister, Judith Fujito (Roland), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Born to Masayo and Natsuko Furuta, Joanne spent her early childhood in Los Angeles. During World War II, approximately 120,000 Japanese- Americans were forcibly relocated to incarceration camps. Joanne and her family were sent to Manzanar, California. This injustice left a lasting impression on Joanne. Later in life, she took her sons and granddaughters to Manzanar so they could better understand this chapter of history and its impact.

After the war, Joanne’s family resettled in Chicago before moving to Watsonville, California where she completed her high school education. In 1955, she met the love of her life, George Kobori. They married in 1958, made their home in San Jose, and shared nearly fifty years of marriage.

Joanne was a loving mother who was deeply involved in her sons’ lives. During their school years, she served as a Cub Scout den mother and was active in Parent Teacher Associations. As her sons left for college, Joanne returned to the workforce, becoming the West Coast sales representative for the Prince Kuhio Hotel in Honolulu, which was later acquired by the Outrigger Hotel Group. She spent nineteen years with Outrigger, where she thrived, built lasting friendships, and became a trusted representative for many West Coast travel agents.

Following her retirement, Joanne devoted herself to caring for her mother and later for her husband, George. After their passing, she embraced new pursuits, joining and eventually leading a memoirs group and participating in the Red Lantern improv group, where she performed with joy and enthusiasm until the age of 90.

Joanne was a thoughtful correspondent, known for her ability to recognize and celebrate connections among family and friends. She was a supportive neighbor and was dearly loved by the Calderwood Lane community. She delighted many with her handmade birthday and anniversary cards and her annual holiday letter, which was eagerly anticipated each year. Being mentioned in Joanne’s holiday letter was considered a special honor among family members.

Memorial services will be held on May 30 at 4:00 p.m. at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 640 North 5th Street, San Jose. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the World Wildlife Fund, Southern Poverty Law Alliance, or Peninsula Open Space Trust.