Kiyo “Kay” Nakayama

Kiyo Nakayama Obituary

Surrounded by her family, Kiyo “Kay” Nakayama passed away very peacefully Dec. 16, 2010. She was 92.

Kiyo lived a happy and full life. She had three children, Joni Kimoto (Jim), Keith Nakayama (Joyce), and Leslie Nelson (John); seven grand-children; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nephews and nieces; and many friends whom she considered “family.” Kiyo’s connection to her family was what made her special.

Kiyo was born May 1, 1918, in Portland. She had an older sister, Jane; and two brothers, Jerry and George. She worked in her family’s business until she married Kats Nakayama in 1937. Together with Kats, she worked and owned grocery stores, including Kay’s Food Store, where she developed many of her friends.

Kiyo and Kats were lifelong residents of the Portland community except during World War II when they were interned, and later, when they lived in Chicago, resulting in more friends to call family.

During her later years, Kiyo and Kats were able to travel to many foreign ports, and other intriguing and interesting places. One of her favorite pastimes was shopping. Shopping with her grand-daughters was a special treat. In fact, all children were special to her-she loved kids. The way Kiyo led her life was special to her family and will continue through all who knew and loved her.

Celebration Service

11:00am ,Saturday, January 15, 2011
Epworth Methodist Church
1333 SE 28th Avenue Portland, OR 97214

Services

You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Kiyo "Kay" Nakayama

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One reply on “Kiyo “Kay” Nakayama”

Keith, it is with great sorrow that it has taken me this long to find out about your Mom. You know how much the Luna family loved your family and it saddens me to have another piece of my young life gone with her passing. I hope life is treating you kindly, I do remember those good old days and hope you are happy. I hope you get this and know I am thinking of you still.