Michiko Gore's Obituary
Michiko Gore, 85, of Tacoma passed away peacefully on July 1, 2014. Michiko was born September 25, 1928 on Iki Island, Japan, the daughter of Yasuiki and Toku Hirata.
Michiko was born on a beautiful island where fishing was the family business. She had a great love of gardening and growing flowers.
Michiko’s sense of adventure was realized when she fell in love and married Fred L. Gore, a serviceman with the U.S. Air Force who was then stationed in Okinawa. She left her mother country of Japan to come to the United States where they started a family. Retired Staff Sargent Fred Gore passed away in 1991. Michiko was a vibrant part of the Tacoma community and lived happily in her same home for over 50 years. Michiko continued her sense of adventure as she traveled to many cities including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Martha’s Vineyard, Dominican Republic, Las Vegas, New Jersey, Sedona Arizona, South Carolina, Vancouver Canada, and many other cities.
Michiko was an avid and fierce reader who continued her education by learning about the world around her where she loved history and followed global politics, and cultural events. She was also a strong swimmer and loved the ocean.
Michiko was an excellent cook who could make foods that ranged from traditional Japanese dishes to Down Home Soul food. She also loved to sing traditional Japanese songs both in choir groups and karaoke. In keeping with her ability to embrace and love people from all walks of life, in her early years, she was an active member of Buddhism and then later in her life joined a Christian-based community.
Michiko had eight brothers and sisters of the Hirata family. She is survived by her sisters, Nana Hirata of Tokyo, Japan, Mikiko of Tokyo, Japan; three daughters Faith Taylor, her husband Gary Taylor; Debra Gore-Mann, her husband Anthony Mann; Sharon Gore; four grandchildren Erica Gore, Jordan Taylor, Kiyomi Taylor and Quinci Mann; and her beloved dog Max.
A celebration of life services will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home in the Aspen Chapel in Lakewood, Saturday, July 5, 2014, 2:00pm.
Online remembrances may be shared on the Tribute Wall. Please post comments, photos and videos to celebrate Michiko Gore’s legacy.
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