Martha M. Hamada

Martha M. Hamada RIVERDALE - Martha Masako Sugihara Hamada passed away Wednesday, October 17, 2007. She was born May 13, 1924, to Utaro and Masu Yonezawa Sugihara in Puyallup, Washington. Martha resided in Puyallup all of her young life until 1942 when she and her entire family were relocated to Minidoka War Relocation Camp, near Twin Falls, Idaho, during World War II. In late summer of 1943, she and her immediate family were permitted to leave the camp to work for the Royal Cannery in Ogden, Utah, where she met Min Hamada who was also employed at the cannery. They were married March 18, 1946, following Min’s two years of active duty with the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in France and Italy. She and her husband resided in Roy for over 40 years prior to moving to Riverdale in 1998. Martha worked at Hill Air Force Base as an Inventory Management Specialist until she retired in December of 1980, after 30 years of service. Following her retirement, she volunteered her services at the former St. Benedict’s Hospital Gift Shop. She was a member of the Ogden Japanese Christian Church and served as president of the Women’s Fellowship. She was a former member of the Roy Jaycees and Roy Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Martha enjoyed reading, playing card games, traveling, bowling, golfing, fishing and camping with her family, relatives, and friends. The family wishes to thank Dr. John Ward, Nurse Marsha Mill and staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the staff at Manor Care for the wonderful care she received. She is survived by her husband, two sons, their wives, and two granddaughters; Lynard (Frances) Hamada, Becky and Kayla of Ogden; Duane (Carol) Hamada of Tracy, California, Frances (Frank) Nomura of Las Vegas, NV; and Harry (Jane) Sugihara of Sandy, Utah. She has 12 nephews, eight nieces, and numerous great-nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sister, George Sugihara and Ruth Yemoto. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Family will meet friends at the mortuary on Wednesday from 9:45 to 11 a.m. Entombment, Good Shepherd Abbey Mausoleum at Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Email condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com