1925
Nobuko
2012
Nobuko Azumano
March 20, 1925 — March 25, 2012
Beloved leader of family and friends in Portland's Japanese-American community, Nobuko ("Nobi") Azumano passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2012 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
She was born on March 20, 1925 in Salt Lake City, where she met her first husband Ted Tsuboi and married in 1944. After moving to Portland, Nobi worked as a lab tech. She eventually received her teaching degree at Portland State College and taught Biology at Marshall High School. After Ted passed away from cancer in 1967, Nobi went on to Oregon State University to obtain her Masters degree so she could teach science at Mt. Hood Community College.
On March 21, 1976, Nobi married George Azumano, the founder and then-president of Azumano Travel and Insurance who also had recently lost his own spouse. She then retired so that she could accompany him on his trips all over the world.
Besides being a talented seamstress, she loved to cook. She shared her cooking talents every week with local seniors at Ikoi No Kai, the hot lunch program for the Japanese American community. For her, the ability to serve was made all the more special by being able to work there, side-by-side, with some of her closest friends.
Nobi loved all sports and could frequently be found cheering for the Portland State University Vikings, or watching golf, baseball, football or basketball.
Over the years, Nobi served as a member of the board of directors several organizations, including PSU's Viking Board, National Federation of Asian American United Methodist, and Camp Magruder. She was a generous supporter of the Oregon Nikkei Endowment, Japanese American Citizens League, Portland Taiko, Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation, and other charities too numerous to list.
Nobi was predeceased by a brother, an infant son, granddaughter Gina Vanbebber and daughter Robbie Tsuboi,. She leaves behind a large family who will miss her terribly, including husband George Azumano, son Cliff Tsuboi (Lexington KY), daughter Annie Migaki and her husband Gerry (Portland OR), step-children Loen Dozono and her husband Sho (Portland OR), Jim Azumano and his wife Lois (Salem OR), and Bet Orazio and her husband Gary (Centennial CO). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren.
A celebration of Nobi's life will be held on April 1, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson St, Portland OR 97214. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations in her memory to Epworth United Methodist Church at 1333 SE 28th Ave, Portland OR 97214, or the Ikoi No Kai hot lunch program at the same address.
Read Nobuko Azumano's Obituary and Guestbook on www.rosecityfuneralhome.com.
She was born on March 20, 1925 in Salt Lake City, where she met her first husband Ted Tsuboi and married in 1944. After moving to Portland, Nobi worked as a lab tech. She eventually received her teaching degree at Portland State College and taught Biology at Marshall High School. After Ted passed away from cancer in 1967, Nobi went on to Oregon State University to obtain her Masters degree so she could teach science at Mt. Hood Community College.
On March 21, 1976, Nobi married George Azumano, the founder and then-president of Azumano Travel and Insurance who also had recently lost his own spouse. She then retired so that she could accompany him on his trips all over the world.
Besides being a talented seamstress, she loved to cook. She shared her cooking talents every week with local seniors at Ikoi No Kai, the hot lunch program for the Japanese American community. For her, the ability to serve was made all the more special by being able to work there, side-by-side, with some of her closest friends.
Nobi loved all sports and could frequently be found cheering for the Portland State University Vikings, or watching golf, baseball, football or basketball.
Over the years, Nobi served as a member of the board of directors several organizations, including PSU's Viking Board, National Federation of Asian American United Methodist, and Camp Magruder. She was a generous supporter of the Oregon Nikkei Endowment, Japanese American Citizens League, Portland Taiko, Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation, and other charities too numerous to list.
Nobi was predeceased by a brother, an infant son, granddaughter Gina Vanbebber and daughter Robbie Tsuboi,. She leaves behind a large family who will miss her terribly, including husband George Azumano, son Cliff Tsuboi (Lexington KY), daughter Annie Migaki and her husband Gerry (Portland OR), step-children Loen Dozono and her husband Sho (Portland OR), Jim Azumano and his wife Lois (Salem OR), and Bet Orazio and her husband Gary (Centennial CO). She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren.
A celebration of Nobi's life will be held on April 1, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson St, Portland OR 97214. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations in her memory to Epworth United Methodist Church at 1333 SE 28th Ave, Portland OR 97214, or the Ikoi No Kai hot lunch program at the same address.
Read Nobuko Azumano's Obituary and Guestbook on www.rosecityfuneralhome.com.
Celebration of Life
First United Methodist Church
1838 SW Jefferson Street
Portland
,
OR
US
97201
Sunday, April 1, 2012, 3:00 PM
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