Tomoko Hamamoto

Tomoko Hamamoto was born on February 1, 1923 at Shimotsu, Wakayama, Japan to Mine and Hisakuchi Ebisu. She was the youngest of five children; brothers Kiichiro, Masao and Mamoru and sister Ayako. She married Kiyoaki Hamamoto in 1947 and had three children. In 1959 she immigrated to America and settled in Berkeley, CA until shortly before her death.

She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband of 62 years, Kiyoaki, and oldest son, Yasufumi. She is survived by daughter Mariko (husband Richard) Roberts of Berkeley, son Tony (wife Alison) of Placerville, daughter-in-law Florence of Fresno, 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

She settled in Berkeley in order for her children to pursue higher education. She worked hard helping to support her family at a laundry. Tomoko was proud that all three of her children earned professional degrees and licenses in their respective fields. She was even prouder that all her grandchildren were university graduates and looked forward to the same for her great grandchildren.

Tomoko was known for her cooking, sewing and quilting. She enjoyed Japanese television programs and going to the Berkeley Nikkei Senior Center. The family is deeply grateful for the care she received by Kaiser Hospice and EASE Programs at Wagaya Assisted Living in El Cerrito.

There will a private funeral and burial at Mountain View Cemetery in Fresno, CA.