Kazuko “Kazzie” Hara died peacefully on June 11, 2012. Kazuko was 83.

She was born on July 20, 1928 to Chiyo and Kanichi Endo. She grew up in Milwaukie, attended elementary and junior high school until her family’s forced internment to Minidoka Relocation Camp during World War II.

She attended Hunt H.S. in Idaho and Ontario H.S. while working as a live-in nanny. After the war, her family returned to Milwaukie where she graduated from Milwaukie H.S. in 1946.

She attended business school and upon completing her studies worked for Interstate Training Co as a bookkeeper. For many years, she worked at Lombard Thriftway. After retiring from the grocery business she began a new career for American Greetings and later at Fuji Farm.

On Nov. 13, 1954, she married Menow Hara and settled in Portland; they owned Oregon Plating Co until Menow’s retirement in 1984.

Kazzie was an active member of Epworth United Methodist Church, Gresham Troutdale Japanese American Citizens League and Beta Sigma Phi. She enjoyed traveling, playing cards with friends, knitting and crocheting and attending live theater and musical performances.

Kazzie is survived by her daughters, Debra Giltz (Randy) and Marcia; grandchildren, Kelsie and Kyle; siblings, Akiko Akagi, Tokuko Murdoch and Kay Endo.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Menow.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Lakeside Garden on Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 11 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to Epworth UMC or Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center.

Facts Born: July 20, 1928
Place of Birth: Milwaukie, OR USA
Death: June 11, 2012
Place of Death: Portland, OR USA