Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Michiko “Mich” Kiyokawa passed away at the age of 102 on Nov. 21, 2025, in Parkdale, Oregon, surrounded by her family. She was born on Sept. 24, 1923, in Tacoma, Washington, to Masatoshi and Hama Jinguji.
Mich graduated from Tacoma’s Stadium High School in 1941 and went on to attend the College of Puget Sound (now known as the University of Puget Sound) where she was on the CPS All-Star Field Hockey Team. In 1942, following the U.S. entry into the Pacific front of World War II, Mich was evacuated with her family to the Pinedale Assembly Center in California, and later transferred to the internment camps at Tule Lake, California, and Heart Mountain, Wyoming. At Tule Lake, she met the man who would become her husband, Mamoru Kiyokawa. They married in 1945 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota.
Mich graduated from Hamline University in 1947 with a degree in science. She completed her formal training in medical technology at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eugene, Oregon, while Mam attended the University of Oregon. She and Mam eventually purchased an orchard in Parkdale, where they built a life together and raised five children.
Throughout her life, Mich enjoyed bowling, gardening, and watching her children and grandchildren’s activities. She stayed active well into her later years by walking two miles while listening to Elvis Presley. In 2009, Mich and other Japanese-American WWII evacuees, who had been unable to complete their studies at the University of Puget Sound, were awarded honorary Bachelor of Arts degrees.
Mich was grateful to have lived her life in the “paradise” she called Parkdale. She was preceded in death by Mam in 2008, her parents, and her four siblings. Mich is survived by her children Connie Kiriu, Nancy Kiyokawa, Margie Halladin (Steve), Becky Phillips (Hubert), and Randy Kiyokawa (Badri); 12 grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Honoring her wishes, no service is planned. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the State Library of Oregon-Talking Book and Braille Library, 250 Winter St. NE, Salem, Oregon 97301, in her memory; or to your favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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