Dorothy Hirai

Photo © 2012 Teresa Tamura
Dorothy Hirai in 2012 at age 96.

Last Saturday, June 6, Dorothy Misao Hirai was remembered by friends and family gathered at the Reynold’s Funeral Chapel in Twin Falls, Idaho. Dorothy died peacefully in Jerome on May 26, 2015. A few months earlier, her three daughters – who gave her extraordinary care – organized a 99^th birthday party at the Turf Club for more than 100 guests who came from across the country.

Dorothy was born in Mineral, Washington, on March 17, 1916. She married Tom Hirai on April 26, 1942 in Seattle. The newlyweds volunteered to help prepare the Minidoka War Relocation Center for occupancy. When I was working on the book, Dorothy took me to the railroad spur where she and Tom first arrived in Idaho.

You can read more about Dorothy's life in the obituary. I will miss her generous hospitality, enthusiasm, and kindness.