Diana Sachiye Hirotsu Herrst
Diana Sachiye Hirotsu Herrst, born and raised in Waipahu, Oahu, passed away peacefully in Los Angeles County on October 28, 2022, at the age of 98. She was born to Japanese immigrant parents, Nobuichi and Asano Hirotsu, in the Territory of Hawaii in 1924 as one of ten siblings. She lived most of her adult life on the mainland, primarily in Torrance, CA for more than 60 years. Diana was a graduate of the University of Hawaii and received her Master's degree in Education from USC. In 1949, she married her husband, Leonard Herrst, in Michigan, and they remained married for over 63 years, until his death in 2013. Diana taught Grades K-3 for more than 35 years, mostly in the Lawndale, CA school district. She was also a successful real estate agent, working part-time while teaching and even after retirement. Along with her husband, Diana was an active and enthusiastic member of the VFW, serving in the Ladies Auxiliary for many years, and was also a long-standing member of Faith United Methodist Church in Torrance. Her other interests included Japanese doll-making, playing the guitar, Japanese and ballroom dancing, snow skiing, and international travel.
Diana was predeceased by her husband, Leonard, and her older son, Randall, and is survived by her younger son, Scott (and his wife, Kathleen Stacey), sisters Evelyn Niino (George) and Charlotte Matsuda, brother Alton Hirotsu, and many other nieces, nephews, and relatives. A private family service will be held at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific in Hawaii sometime in early 2023.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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