A bright soul departed our presence as Kiyoko Nancy Iwami entered the Pure land of Amida Buddha on June 22, 2018, at the age of 104.
Born to Kumakichi and Hana Tada in Watsonville, California in 1914, Kiyoko, or “Nancy” as many knew her, was the eldest of seven children. She graduated from Watsonville High School in 1933 and married the love of her life, Charlie Hideo Iwami in 1936. They were partners in life for 60-plus years of marriage.
During WWII Nancy and Charlie were sent to the internment camps in Poston, Arizona, where Nancy worked as a nutritionist. After their release, Charlie and Nancy lived in Denver, Colorado where Nancy worked for a bookbinding company. Upon returning home to Watsonville, Nancy worked in various agricultural jobs before becoming a domestic housekeeper. Many employers, including the Taine and Janet Bell family, and the Granite Rock family, regarded her as a beloved and valued family member.
Following retirement, Nancy and Charlie traveled far and wide, including journeys to Japan, Canada, and throughout the United States. When Charlie passed away in 2003, one would think that Nancy would slow down, but nothing stopped this vivacious spirit. Like a cat with multiple lives, Nancy set about managing her social calendar. Her later years were spent with friends from Watsonville Buddhist Temple, and especially the Watsonville/Santa Cruz JACL Senior Center. Her visits to Kizuka Hall to play Bingo and socialize with friends were the highlight of her week. She had countless luncheon dates and would often say “Oh gosh, I’m triple-booked for lunch … I’m gonna have to disappoint someone.” Nancy was fiercely independent, living on her own and driving well past her 100th birthday. An avid Giants fan, she celebrated her 100th birthday at PacBell Park and actually rose from her seat to get a closer look at Buster Posey.
As one door closed and her life in Watsonville ended, another door opened, and she began the final chapter of her life in Reno, Nevada, where she relocated to live with her daughter and family. At 100-plus years of age, Nancy tended her Reno garden, and fed her wild bunnies and birds. She performed with Reno Taiko, rode a tandem bicycle, participated in the Virginia City Outhouse Race parade, pounded mochi rice cakes with the Reno JACL, cruised in a hot rod for Hot August Nights, and for her, the most fun of all…went out to lunch and to play penny slots.
Nancy is survived by her daughter Nancy Mattson, son-in-law Marvin Mattson, grandchildren Kelly and Tyler (with Julia), numerous nieces and nephews, and a myriad of dear friends who have not only helped her thrive, but in whose hearts her spirit will always abide.
In Nancy’s words….”Don’t be sad…be happy for me. I lived a good life.” As she once said, “I eat well, I sleep well, and I have fun…what more could a person want from life”…What more indeed.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 7 at 11am at Watsonville Buddhist Temple, 423 Bridge St.
