Lily Yuriko was born in Santa Barbara, California to Naonasuke and Kogen Kobayashi on December 23, 1923. She and her sister Frances were raised in California for several years until the family moved to Japan, where Lily graduated from high school. After the war, Lily returned to California where she married Masao Masuda in November 1948. They lived and worked on the family farm in Talbert, California – now known was Fountain Valley – where they raised their daughter, Denice, and son, Marvin. Lily worked on the farm and in the produce stand until the farm was sold in about 1975.

Lily was very social, and loved to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoyed large gatherings, especially family holiday celebrations. She would plan and organize for upcoming events, and made sure all of the relatives were aware of the date, time and location of each party. Lily was a long-time member of Wintersburg Church and especially enjoyed attending the church's weekly senior social luncheons. She also liked to help coordinate the VFW's yearly Memorial Day service at Westminster Memorial Park, held in honor of Kazuo Masuda. She never liked to sit still, and always looked forward to the next get-together. She enjoyed collecting various items (including antique sewing machines), cooking and going on family fishing trips to Mammoth Lakes.

Lily passed away at the age of 92 on July 5, 2016. She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Masao; daughter, Denice; son, Marvin and his wife Donna; granddaughter, Robyn; sister, Frances; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service in remembrance of Lily's life will be held on Saturday, July 16, 3:00 PM at Wintersburg Presbyterian Church, 2000 N. Fairview Street in Garden Grove, California, with Pastor Fred Tanizaki officiating.