Michiko Watanabe Hayase

Michiko Watanabe Hayase, age 88 of Rancho Palos Verdes, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, August 18, 2018. She was born in Tokyo to Katsuaki and Namie Watanabe on February 9, 1930. She married Charles Koji Hayase in 1951 and, following the birth of their elder son Henry, relocated to the United States in 1954. After their younger son Paul and daughter Helen were born in Ohio and Washington, respectively, Michiko and Charles settled in Gardena, California, where she tended to her family’s needs while Charles worked as a pharmacist. Always a devoted wife and mother, Michiko lovingly encouraged her children, participated in all their school and sports activities, was active in the Gardena Valley Baptist Church, enjoyed the company of her family and friends, spoiled her dogs Dino and Chico, and loved arranging flowers.

Michiko was preceded in death by her husband Charles and son Henry. She is survived by her children Paul (Sandra) Hayase and Helen (Alf Andersen) Hayase; grandchildren Justin (Arjana) Hayase, AnnaMarie (Gregory) Van Hoesen, and Marilyn (Eric Anderson) Andersen; great-grandson Lucas Hayase; siblings Kumiko Ebihara and Hiroaki (Michiko) Watanabe; and numerous relatives including Nancy (Mounir Botros) Kikuchi, David (Nikkie) Hayase, and Mark Hayase.

A memorial service officiated by Pastor Daniel Matsuda will be held on Saturday, September 22, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chapel at Green Hills Memorial Park, 27501 S. Western Ave., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275. Memorial donations may be made to SPCALA or other charity of your choice.