Martha K. Miyasaki passed away at the age of 90 in Santa Clara, CA. Martha was born and raised in Portland, OR. During WWII, when Martha was 11 years old, she was placed in the Minidoka concentration camp for Japanese American internment. With her mother Toshi pregnant in Portland and her father Sam being held by the American Government, Martha and her brother Floyd lived in camp with their Aunt and Uncle. Eventually, her mother would join them with their new baby brother Gordon, but until then Martha was tasked with caring for Floyd.
After the war, Martha went on to graduate from Roosevelt High School in Portland, OR. She attended Oregon State University to study nutrition and pursued a career as a dietician. After completing her undergraduate degree, Martha continued her education at the University of Indiana. Once she finished her coursework, the heat and humidity of Indiana quickly pushed her to return to Portland, a choice she often referred to as the “easiest decision of her life”.
Upon returning to Portland, Martha rejoined her family and began her career as a dietician at the Oregon Health Sciences University hospital. One weekend, Martha took a trip to the Bay Area to visit some friends, during which she attended a party and met her future husband, Harry Miyasaki. Seven months later they were married and living in Berkeley, CA where Harry finished Optometry school while Martha worked at Herrick Hospital. Harry opened his Optometry practice in San Jose, CA. where they raised a family and remained married for 59 years.
In her later years Martha loved to travel, taking multiple trips to Asia and visiting Europe at the age of 89. Above all, her favorite place to travel was a yearly trip to the island of Kauai. Martha’s favorite pastime was cooking and baking for her family. Her delicious meals and famous cookies were an expression of love that brought everyone together.
Martha is survived by her son Collin (Elena), daughter Elaine (Satoshi), brothers Gordon and Michael Kondo, and grandchildren Kinji, Toshi, and Quinn.
Per Martha's request, there will be no memorial service. Donations may be made to the Yu Ai Kai Senior Center (588 N. 4th Street, San Jose, CA 95112).
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