Susan Tokiko Hamamoto passed away July 24th at Kensington Place with her family present. She is survived by her sister Amy Faulconer of Tyler Texas, nephew Dr. Andrew Metzger, his wife Kathleen Metzger of Albuquerque New Mexico and their children Bryan and Maria, and by her niece Vivian Clausing, her husband Karl, and daughters Kelsey and Katy of San Carlos, CA. There are also many cousins and extended members of the Hamamoto family living in Honolulu, all of whom loved her dearly. Susan was born December 8, 1939 in Kauai and grew up in Hilo Hawaii. After graduating from Hilo High School in 1957, she earned her Bachelor's from Grinnell College and her Master's degree in Biology from Brown University. She spent a year traveling around the world, and taught English in Germany. She moved to Berkeley in the 1970's where she worked as a researcher in various labs at UC Berkeley until her retirement in 2011. Susan was a beautiful, kind and loving soul who made friends wherever she went. She loved to cook good meals, enjoy a glass of wine with friends, and spend time in her garden. An avid runner and hiker, she finished the Honolulu Marathon, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, did yoga at Machu Pichu, and paddled the Bay in her sea kayak. She studied Ikebana at the Oakland Buddhist Temple, and was an active member of the Orinda Hiking Club. She stayed in touch with her high school friends, returning often to Hawaii to attend Hilo High reunions and visit family. A memorial service will be held Friday November 9th at 10 am at the Hilo Hongwanji Betsuin 398 Kilauea Ave Hilo Hawaii. The family is grateful to the staff at Kensington Place for the loving care that they gave to Susan. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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