Yoshiko Ohara's Obituary
Yoshiko Alice Ohara
November 6, 1927 – September 22, 2020
Yoshiko Alice Ohara, known as Alice or Auntie to her friends and family, passed away at home from complications of a stroke. Alice was born in Oakland, California, to Toru and Rin (Nakamura) Ohara who immigrated from Japan. When she was five, Alice and her family returned to Japan so she could complete her education in that country. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, focusing on playing the piano. Alice shared her memories of being in Japan during World War II. As an American citizen, she could not believe that the two countries she loved, the US and Japan, would go to war. Her family home was bombed. Fortunately, no one in the family was injured but the only thing left was an iron kettle.
Alice returned to the United States in 1957 to pursue a career. She worked as an administrative assistant for the US Forestry Department and, after retiring from the federal government, joined the Physicians Benefits Department of Kaiser Permanente where she worked another ten years. She was an intelligent, strong, independent woman who was also generous, caring and somewhat stubborn. She loved classical music, animals (especially dogs) and traveling. She made many trips to Europe and Asia, meeting her brother, Kazuo, and his family, to explore the sites and experience the culture of places such as France, Switzerland, Italy, England and China.
Alice was predeceased by her parents, older brother Dr. Itaru Ohara, and sister Kyoko Ohara. She is survived by her brother Dr. Kazuo Ohara, her other sister and best friend, Rosemary Kurita, and many nieces, nephews and cousins in both the US and Japan. Given the current environment, there will not be a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please donate in her name to the ASPCAY
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, 4499 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, California 94611.
To ensure the health and safety of our community, we are following all guidelines set by local, state and CDC officials. If you are planning on attending a service, please contact the funeral home in advance, so that we can plan accordingly.
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