Joyce K. Nakamura-Tanoue was born on July 22nd, 1951. She attended Waikiki Elementary School and graduated from University High School, where she was the scholar athlete her senior year competing in both volleyball and swimming. She earned her bachelor's degree at Grinnell College in Iowa and moved on to the Washington University in Saint Louis before returning home to Hawaii to finish her master's degree. After earning her medical degree at the University of Hawaii, she completed her OB-GYN training and initially worked at the Honolulu Medical Group, and later joined the Kaiser Permanente Group. She retired in 2014 after 28 years with Kaiser, during which time she served as their longtime Chairman for the OB-GYN department and Chief of Staff. Joyce was a gifted crafts person, including sewing, quilting, and shadowboxing. She also played the guitar and piano. Her greatest joy was guiding the growth and development of her family. Her pride and joy were her sons Ryan and Michael, of whom she was proud. Joyce was also a gifted and compassionate physician, an incredible person, and the best mother and wife. She left us peacefully on May 10th, 2019 with her immediate family at bedside following a complicated hospitalization. She will always be loved and remembered by those whom she loved. She is survived by Ross Tanoue, her husband of 42 years, sons Ryan and Michael, their wives Candace and Stephanie, mother Irene Nakamura, and brother Karl Nakamura. As per her wishes, a small private service was held. In lieu of flowers, friends are welcome to donate to The UH Foundation, John A Burns School of Medicine, Medical School Scholarship Fund #120-3110-4, 651 Ilalo Street MEB, Honolulu, HI 96813 or online at giving.uhfoundation.org. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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