Michiko Osaka

Obituary Michiko Osaka Born on May 15, 1927, in Brooks, OR, Michiko Osaka passed away suddenly on October 29, 2005 from a final bout of cancer. After her family was interned at Tule Lake, she grew up in Ontario, OR, where she met her husband of nearly 60 years. Shortly after the war ended, Michi and Tom moved to Fife where they have continued to live. While raising her children, Michi worked for local farmers and later as a meat-wrapper. At 48, she started pursuing her long-time interest in art by taking a few classes at Tacoma Community College. After receiving her associate's degree, she attended the University of Puget Sound and graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Kappa Phi. Education was always important to Michi, and she began to commute from Fife to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, from which she received both a BFA and MFA. Until the onset of Parkinson's, Michi was an active member of the Tacoma Buddhist Church, where she taught Sunday school and held positions that included Dharma School president. Her memberships included BWA, PSSA, and Woman Painters of WA. Michi's art was exhibited in a number of solo and juried shows across the country, including the Frye Museum. She received numerous honors for her printmaking and mixed media pieces, including the Artist Trust Fellowship and Ford Foundation awards. Inspired by various mentors, peace and harmony were continuing themes in Michi's artwork and in how she lived life. Michi was preceded in death by her older sisters Kaoe, Masako, and Kazue and by her younger brother Giro. Surviving her are her husband Tom, her children Janice (Gardiner), Gordon, and Kurt (Jodie); her grandchildren, Margaret, Chris, Anna, and Kai; her eldest sister Kimiko Masukawa (Hiroshima); and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for November 12, at 2pm at the Tacoma Buddhist Church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Keiro Nursing Home (1606 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122). Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.