Obituary of Kyoko Nakata

Kyoko Nakata (Kamada), 87, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2023. This most courageous and caring woman, was born to Eiichi and Nichie Kamada in Okayama, Japan on March 10, 1936. She had three brothers—Masatoshi, Kazuhiro,Toyoshi; and 5 sisters—Atsuko, Masae, Chieko, Yasuko, and Hiroko. When Kyoko was 20, she met Harry Nakata who brought her to America to be his wife. In her words: “To make my father happy.” They were married on August 22,1958 and lived in Portland, Oregon. In addition to raising two sons, she successfully learned fluent English, proudly became an American citizen, shared her Japanese culture at every opportunity, and continued her passion for dancing by teaching young students in her home studio. She exemplified “how to give to others” and instilled in us the importance of laughing each day.

After surviving a stroke in 2001, as well as thyroid cancer, Harry and Kyoko moved to Eugene, Oregon to be closer to family. She continued to share her amazing giving spirit with her neighbors, friends, and later with the incredible staff at Willamette Oaks. Most recently, she was cared for by the gentle healing spirit of the exceptional Care Team at Merrill Gardens Sheldon Park. Her husband, Harry Nakata, preceded her in death in 2019. She is survived by her two sons Dennis Nakata (Kimberley Ketterer) of Eugene, OR and Steven Nakata (Marie Esser) of New Berlin, WI; her three grandsons Ryan Nakata (Heather Mullins) of Philomath, OR, Michael Nakata of New Berlin, WI, and Matthew Nakata of New Berlin, WI; and a great-grandson Bentley Nakata.

A Memorial service for Kyoko is planned for 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at Musgrove Family Mortuary 225 S Danebo Ave, Eugene, OR 97402. In Kyoko’s spirit of “giving to others” the family suggests, in lieu of flowers, giving memorial contributions in her honor to a charity of your choice. You are invited to access the obituary and sign the guestbook online at musgroves.com.