Obituary of Mitsuko Kamimori

Mitsuko "Mitzi" Kamimori passed peacefully on July 30, 2015 after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. She was 79 years old. Mitzi was born on December 20, 1935 in Monterey, CA, to Yagouchi and Tsune (Ryono) Okumura. She was the second youngest of the 8 Okumura siblings. Mitzi graduated from Monterey High School-Class of 1953. She went to beauty college in San Francisco, and worked at Anita's Beauty Salon, after earning her cosmetology license. She met her future husband, Roy Kamimori, while he was stationed at Fort Ord. They married in 1956 and moved to Los Angeles, CA for a few years before making Monterey their permanent residence. Mitzi worked together with Roy in their business, Hairstyles by Roy, for over 35 years. In her earlier years she enjoyed bowling and sewing. Later in life, she enjoyed watching golf on TV, walking on the foot path between the Wharf and the Aquarium, eating out at her favorite restaurants, and participating in the Obon festivities (dancing; dressing the little ones in their kimonos; working the udon booth). She loved playing the slot machines in Lake Tahoe casinos, enjoyed crossword puzzles, shopping, reading (and exchanging books amongst her book club friends), but most of all she loved conversing with others and sharing stories. Mitzi was preceded in death by her husband, Roy, who passed away last year. She is survived by her daughter, Ricki (Rick) Craig, sons Alexander (Nancy) and Anthony, granddaughters Andrea, Libby, and Kameko, her younger brother Mark Toshiki Okumura, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mitzi was very social, generous, and full of life. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. A memorial service will be held at Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple, 1155 Noche Buena Street, Seaside, on Saturday, August 22, at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity .