Joan Yaeko Kanagawa was born on May 23, 1922 in Sanger, California to Yasoichi Tom and Sumi (Jitsuyo) Kanagawa. Joan grew up on an orange orchard on a hill in Sanger with brothers Bob and Jerry and sisters Lois and Mary. Joan attended Fresno State College for two years when her college education was interrupted by WW II.
Joan was evacuated and sent to a Japanese internment camp, Poston camp II block 227-5-B in Arizona with her family. While in camp, she met a missionary who invited her to church, and she was allowed to leave Poston for a baptism in Phoenix.
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| Mr & Mrs George Fujihara |
On April 26, 1947, Joan married George Fujihara, a track star, and they lived on a ranch in Del Rey where they raised raisins, peaches, and plums. Joan worked part time as a teacher's aide and enjoyed working with children, and she played the piano for the Sunday school. Joan passed away on June 18, 2011.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years, George Fujihara; children Richard, Mark (Alicia), and Glenn (Mary Ann) Fujihara; and grandchildren.
Source: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Joan-Fujihara&lc=2455&pid=152117055&mid=4714927&locale=en-US
