Frances Nobuko Soejima

Frances Nobuko Soejima (Moriyasu) of Portland passed away January 21 due to complications of Parkinson's Disease.  She leaves behind her loving family; husband Ben, daughters Carol and husband Gary Funatake, Audrey and husband Guy Watanabe, and Colleen and husband Will Naemura and Grandchildren; Bryan Funatake, Kristen and husband Anthony Persaud, Jill, Sarah and Kelly Watanabe and Benjamin, William and Robert Naemura. She also leaves behind three great-grand-children Lindsay, Matthew and Nathan Persaud. She is also survived by her sister Rose “Pinky” Eguchi of Seattle, WA and niece Barbara and husband Joe Ishitani of Newcastle, WA.

Frances was born in Portland Oregon to Sukesaburo and Tora Moriyasu on July 6, 1923.  When she was 3 years old, she learned how to play the koto and continued playing throughout her life; giving lessons and playing with the Seiha Miyabi Kai of Portland.  Music, art, cooking ,sports  and gardening were Frances' passion.  After being interned at Minidoka, Idaho during the war she was able to leave the camp to attend the Darvis School of Fashion in Cleveland, Ohio.  There she began her dream of fashion designing and produced the most elaborate and intricate fashions.   This led to her career in alterations at Meier and Frank.

Frances was always very positive, gracious, grateful, considerate and thoughtful. She never once complained about having Parkinson's having been diagnosed over 40 years ago.  She was an inspiration to us all.

Celebration of Life will be held March 19th from 4-7 pm at First United Methodist Church of Portland, 1838 SW Jefferson St., Portland.

Remembrances may be sent to Ikoinokai Bento Delivery Program, or any church or charity of your choice.