May (“Bachan”) Yamaoka, 97, of El Cerrito, CA, passed away on September 10, 2026. She was born on May 1, 1929 to parents Kenichi and Tatsuno Tamura. Born in Lodi, CA, May was raised in Jigozen, Japan and attended school in Hiroshima proper, where she survived the a-bomb on August 6, 1945. Her life’s mission was to share her story in hopes of preventing the use of nuclear weapons and promoting peace. After the war, May returned to the US, arriving in San Francisco on her 18th birthday. She finished school and began a career as a travel agent, work she continued until age 79. Her work and her adventurous spirit took her and her family on memorable trips around the world. May will be remembered for her kindness and her beautiful smile, which would brighten anyone’s day. Preceded in death by parents, husband Jim, and siblings Mana, Ray, and Toshi. Survived by children Jacqui (Lou) Panzella, Ken (Imelda) Yamaoka, Caroline (Harry) Stoner; grandchildren Kiyoko, Tamiko, and Mariko Panzella and Alison “Skye” Stoner, and brother (Nobie) Tamura. A memorial service will be held at the Buddhist Temple of Alameda on Saturday November 7 at 2pm.
May (“Bachan”) Yamaoka, 97, of El Cerrito, CA, passed away on September 10, 2026. She was born on May 1, 1929 to parents Kenichi and Tatsuno Tamura. Born in Lodi, CA, May was raised in Jigozen, Japan and attended school in Hiroshima proper, where she survived the a-bomb on August 6, 1945. Her life’s missionContinue Reading
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