Janice A. (Nana) Ouchi

On December 7, 1941, a frightened bride-to-be disembarked from the USS Lurline to begin a new life in the mainland US from the then Territory of Hawaii. On Sunday, December 7, 2014, we lost this lovely, energetic lady. Janice was born on May 16, 1920, in Wahiawa, Oahu. Janice spent her senior year of high school in Tokyo, Japan, studying tailoring and doing intricate seamstress work. She left for San Francisco to meet her betrothed Ben and reached the mainland shore 73 years ago. Janice is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Geri and Dennis Miyoshi, her beloved granddaughters, Dina (Conor Soraghan) and Lani (Joe Sanders), and the precious wee loves of her life, her great-grandchildren: Alex, Brendan, and Jess Sanders, and Ciara Soraghan. Janice also is survived by many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ben Ouchi, in 1991, after 50 years of marriage, and by her parents Bunjiro and Kimie Umemoto and brother Masa. Janice and Ben lived in Detroit, Michigan, for 37 years while Ben worked as a mechanical engineer for the automotive industry, and Janice was a full time mom and homemaker. They moved to Albuquerque in 1978 to retire and be near family and they were able to spend many happy years with their family and special friends. The senior energy that they shared was truly a benefit for New Mexico. Janice was a volunteer for Presbyterian Hospital, Bear Canyon Senior Center, Albuquerque Stroke Club, Palo Duro Senior Center, and the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, logging literally thousands of hours helping others. Janice spent her last twelve years at The Montebello on Academy. Up until April of this year, Janice lived in Independent Living. The last few months have been difficult for Janice with declining health. We are grateful to the Assisted Living Unit staff at Montebello for their extra love and care. We would like to commend Ambercare Hospice for their dedication and compassion. A Celebration of Life for Nana will be held at The Montebello in the Library on Saturday, December 13, 2014, at 10:00am. Please join us in sharing many happy moments of a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Montebello on Academy (ALU), 10500 Academy NE (87111), or Ambercare Hospice, 2129 Osuna NE (87113). FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400