Lorie Fumie Hirahara

Lorie Hirahara passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 14 in the presence of family. Lorie was one of six children of Fumio & Virginia Hirahara, and grew up in Watsonville, CA through her early college years. Being the oldest of the “younger three” Lorie had the responsibilities of an older sister, which likely taught her how to deal with her many energetic students and athletes! Lorie leaves her sister Jan, and brothers Jess, Frank, Keith and Michael, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Lorie was a proud 1981 graduate of Watsonville High School, a 1987 graduate of Cal State Hayward (B.S., Physical Education), and a 2002 graduate of San Jose State (M.A., Kinesiology/Sports Management). Lorie invested her past 30 years as an educator and coach in the Fremont Unified School District, with the majority of that time at Centerville Junior High as a science and physical education teacher.

Lorie was always a competitor, and in some cases a trend setter; she was one of the first female drum majors in high school, was ranked in the nation in Olympic lifting in the early 90’s, worked with the San Jose Lasers (an early American Basketball League team), and also contributed to an attempt to bring the Olympics to the Bay Area.

Lorie’s love of sports was evident from her youth and throughout her life; from competing in collegiate athletics in track & field, basketball, tennis, and Olympic lifting, as well as an avid golfer for many years Lorie was always pushing herself and encouraging others to do their best. As accomplished as she was in many sports, she was extremely well known as a coach who cared about her athletes and her students. Her coaching spanned college, high school & middle school in various sports, and she always brought her commitment and competitive spirit regardless of the sport.

Lorie’s passion for sport also carried into her spiritual life as a follower of Jesus, doing missions trips to Russia and China to coach at youth sports camps and share the gospel. Lorie always sought to do the best thing- from teaching, to coaching to athletics, to friends and to family. Lorie will be deeply missed, but we know her spirit will live on through the many people she influenced through her life.

There will be a memorial to honor Lorie’s life at Westgate Church Saturday August 25th, at 11am (1375 Saratoga Ave, San Jose, CA 95127).