86, was born in Puunene, Maui on September 23, 1930, to Kazutomo and Toshimi Shimazu, and was the fifth of seven children. She attended Baldwin High School and the University of Hawaii. She taught briefly on the island of Molokai before marrying the love of her life, Shinji Soneda. They settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Shinji worked as a civil engineer and Masuko made a home for their growing family. In 1956, Shinji and Masuko moved back to Hawaii with their two sons, Brian and Alan, who were soon joined by daughters Cynthia and Janice. Once the children were older, Masuko took a job as a library assistant at Aina Haina Library where she worked for many years. After retiring, she volunteered regularly at Kaimuki Library. Masuko loved books and instilled that sense of discovery and joy through reading in her children. After a brief illness, Masuko passed away on August 18, 2017 at Palolo Chinese Home. She will be remembered for her patience, kindness and beautiful smile. Masuko is survived by her sisters Fumie Shimazu (Honolulu) and Sadako Young (San Jose), children Brian Soneda (Burlington, WA), Alan Soneda (El Cerrito, CA) and Janice Saiki (San Ramon, CA) and eight grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Shinji, and daughter, Cynthia Timtim Soneda. There will be a private ceremony at Punchbowl Cemetery. Arrangements Provided By: HOSOI GARDEN MORTUARY
86, was born in Puunene, Maui on September 23, 1930, to Kazutomo and Toshimi Shimazu, and was the fifth of seven children. She attended Baldwin High School and the University of Hawaii. She taught briefly on the island of Molokai before marrying the love of her life, Shinji Soneda. They settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Shinji worked as a civil engineer and Masuko made a home for their growing family. In 1956, Shinji and Masuko moved back to Hawaii with their two sons, Brian and Alan, who were soon joined by daughters Cynthia and Janice. Once the children were older, Masuko took a job as a library assistant at Aina Haina Library where she worked for many years. After retiring, she volunteered regularly at Kaimuki Library. Masuko loved books and instilled that sense of discovery and joy through reading in her children. After a brief illness, Masuko passed away on August 18, 2017 at Palolo Chinese Home. She will be remembered for her patience, kindness and beautiful smile. Masuko is survived by her sisters Fumie Shimazu (Honolulu) and Sadako Young (San Jose), children Brian Soneda (Burlington, WA), Alan Soneda (El Cerrito, CA) and Janice Saiki (San Ramon, CA) and eight grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Shinji, and daughter, Cynthia Timtim Soneda. There will be a private ceremony at Punchbowl Cemetery. Arrangements Provided By: HOSOI GARDEN MORTUARY
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
