Ada Honda, age 102, passed away peacefully surrounded by her 3 daughters on May 16, 2023, at 102 at Provident Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA. She was born on November 13, 1920 to Kimiji Ichikawa and Chika Mizuhara in Walla Walla, WA. Ada, the youngest of three - her siblings were Tom and Mary. She graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1938, wanting to go to nursing school but her application was denied due to her race. Instead, she worked as an optical technician for Riggs Optical Company in Walla Walla and later worked in the Yamauchi family restaurant in Pasco, WA during World War II. On June 17, 1947, Ada married Harry Yoshiteru Honda from Yakima, WA and they moved to Spokane, WA. Together they raised their 3 daughters, Marcia, Rhona, and Karla. After the girls grew older she worked for Spokane District 81 from 1964-1985. Her gift was working with young children with special needs. She worked at the Cerebral Palsy School, Garland Elementary School for the Neurological and Orthopedically Handicapped, and at Linwood Elementary School for the Hearing Impaired in the Oral Program. In 1984-85 Ada was honored by educators and district personnel as the staffer of the year. In 1985, she retired so she could spend more time with her husband and grandchildren. After celebrating their 54th anniversary Harry passed away in 2001. As a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church Ada was the Community Care and Social Chairman. She actively expressed her love and concern for others by visiting homes, and hospitals, making phone calls, and later texting her family and friends. She was also involved in the Volunteers of America Crosswalk program and the Spokane Chapter Japanese American Citizen League. Ada's bright beautiful smile, loving eyes, and "unbelievable" memory will be forever missed especially her 3 daughters, 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Mallory Beale, Dr. Deirdre Mooney, Dr. Joseph Davis, Dr. Jerry Castro, Dr. Henry Lin, Dr. Neil Giddings, Dr. Richard Witter, Dr. Timothy Lovell, Dr. Steven Day, Dr. Ward Chow, Kenny Rowe, and to the Comfort Care Staff at Provident Sacred Heart Hospital for their compassion, and loving care. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 22 at 11:00 am at Highland Park United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to Highland Park United Methodist Church, 611 S. Garfield St. Spokane, WA 99202.
Published by Spokesman-Review on Jul. 16, 2023.