Haruko Miller

On Monday, March 14, 2022, Haruko Nakama Miller, loving wife and mother of five children, passed away in Torrance, California, at the age of 91.  She was preceded in death by her father, Shingoro Nakasone, her mother, Kana Nakasone, her first husband, Robert Nakama, and her granddaughter, Amy Nakama Peeples. She was also preceded in death by her brothers Takashi and Henry Nakasone, and her sisters, Yukiko Aihara and Teruko Iwasaki.

She is survived by her husband, Henry Miller, his supportive family, her sister, Chizuko Yamagawa, and her five children, Michael Nakama, Joni Usui, Glenn Nakama, Sandra Gonzales and Scott Nakama, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Haruko was born on May 11, 1930, in Grand Junction, Colorado, and grew up on the family farm with her parents and five siblings.  She moved to California at the age of 15 and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles.  She later obtained a clerical job at Los Angeles City Hall.

She married Robert Nakama, on May 31, 1953, and later married her second husband, Henry Miller, on October 7, 1983.

Haruko was a beautiful, kind, and loving person whose infectious smile could instantly brighten a room. In high school she enjoyed participating in the Glee Club and the girls basketball team.  Later in life she took up golf and enjoyed many days on the golf course with Henry and other family members. Haruko (“Holly”) was always up for playing cards and all types of games with her family. She also enjoyed going to Pala Casino, trying her luck on the slot machines, and enjoying the delicious buffets.

Holly loved being active, having fun, and spending time with her family.

Her strong Christian faith was evident in the way she lived her life and was her source of comfort and strength during difficult times.

She will be greatly missed by her loved ones and friends.