Mary (Furusho) Iwasaki was fiercely independent, highly organized, and socially gracious, showing concern for others while preferring her privacy. Her fondness for good books, classical music and chocolate was exceeded only by her love of family. She died peacefully January 12, 2016, in Hillsboro, surrounded by family. She was 92.

Mary was born November 16, 1923, in Portland, to Japanese immigrants Suekichi and Hatsumo (Taira) Furusho. She graduated from Washington High School in 1941. She enrolled at the University of Oregon but left when people of Japanese ancestry were incarcerated during World War II. (The UO awarded her an honorary degree in 2008.) Mary left the Minidoka internment camp in Idaho for Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, where she graduated from the Conservatory of Music in 1946. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ at home and at Hillsboro United Methodist Church.

Mary married Akira “Ike” Iwasaki on April 22, 1950, in Portland. They worked at Iwasaki Bros. Inc., the extended family’s wholesale nursery business in Hillsboro. She volunteered at the Hillsboro Public Library, then was hired as Technical Services Librarian. After retiring, she volunteered again until she was nearly 90. Mary was a longtime season-ticket holder of the Oregon Symphony Orchestra. She also enjoyed playing bridge and golf and traveling to Japan, Europe, and across the U.S.

She is survived by sons, Roger and Rich (Yoko); daughter, Ellen (Les McNeil); and grandson, Cole.

A brother, George Furusho, preceded her in death.

Remembrances may be sent to Oregon Nikkei Endowment, Library Foundation of Hillsboro, or Epworth United Methodist Church. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in Hillsboro at a later date.