IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Meri Hamako
Nakashima
July 28, 1919 – August 16, 2009
Obituary
Los Angeles-born resident of Cerritos, CA, passed away peacefully on Aug. 16, 2009 in her home, predeceased by her husband Frank Masao Nakashima. She is survived by her children, Bruce of Menlo Park; Christine and Dale of Oakland; granddaughter, Scarlett of Santa Monica; sister-in-law Lillian Nawa (Jiro) of Norwalk; nieces, Eileen Nawa, Linda Nawa, Susan Nozaki (Keiji), Gail Fernandez (Ralph), Cathy Sakauye; nephews, Kenneth Sakauye (Bev), Martin Taniguchi (Robin), Barry Nawa (Cathy), Lonnie Sugino (Marie), Dennis Sugino (Joanie) and many other relatives.
Meri was born in Los Angeles on July 28, 1919. Growing up in Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, she was active in many community activities. She was athletic, loved sports, playing shortstop on the girl's softball team, winning a 1st place medal in a swimming competition and playing basketball. She graduated from Roosevelt High School.
She loved to go out with her friends and went to many social affairs and dances where she met her husband, Frank. When the war started, her family was supposed to go to Manzanar, but were able to go to Arkansas so they could be with Frank's family in Rohwer, where they got married.
After the war, they made it back to California, settled in La Mirada and raised their family. Like most women of her generation, Meri was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom, but she also helped out with the family flower business.
Frank and Meri had an active social life, bowling in tournaments for many years, until the sport of golf caught their fancy. After their children left home to embark on their own lives, they were able to travel to many parts of the world to golf. She loved golfing and continued to do so after Frank passed away, well into her late 70's.
Meri moved from her home of 45 years in La Mirada to Vintage Senior Living in Cerritos where she lived her last 3 years. Reluctant at first, it was a good move for her as she made new friends and there were activities to keep her busy. She continued to stay on top of her game, watching her favorite Lakers, Dodgers and pro golfers on television.
A private graveside service was held on August 31 at Rose Hills in Whittier.
Meri was born in Los Angeles on July 28, 1919. Growing up in Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, she was active in many community activities. She was athletic, loved sports, playing shortstop on the girl's softball team, winning a 1st place medal in a swimming competition and playing basketball. She graduated from Roosevelt High School.
She loved to go out with her friends and went to many social affairs and dances where she met her husband, Frank. When the war started, her family was supposed to go to Manzanar, but were able to go to Arkansas so they could be with Frank's family in Rohwer, where they got married.
After the war, they made it back to California, settled in La Mirada and raised their family. Like most women of her generation, Meri was a homemaker and stay-at-home mom, but she also helped out with the family flower business.
Frank and Meri had an active social life, bowling in tournaments for many years, until the sport of golf caught their fancy. After their children left home to embark on their own lives, they were able to travel to many parts of the world to golf. She loved golfing and continued to do so after Frank passed away, well into her late 70's.
Meri moved from her home of 45 years in La Mirada to Vintage Senior Living in Cerritos where she lived her last 3 years. Reluctant at first, it was a good move for her as she made new friends and there were activities to keep her busy. She continued to stay on top of her game, watching her favorite Lakers, Dodgers and pro golfers on television.
A private graveside service was held on August 31 at Rose Hills in Whittier.
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