Kathleen K. Iwanaga
Obituary
Kathleen Iwanaga (November 17, 1941) entered into eternal rest on June 30, 2026, with her family beside her after a four-month courageous battle in various hospitals in San Jose.
Kathleen was born in Oceanside, CA to "Jim" and Fujino Iwanaga. She was incarcerated in the Poston and Tule Lake Camps with her family during the war. Afterward, she traveled with her family and together, they worked hard following the crops throughout the Central Valley. They settled in Watsonville where she attended Watsonville High School, Cabrillo College, and later, San Francisco State. Kathleen worked for Santa Clara County as an eligibility worker for 39 years.
In her younger years, she was an avid bowler and tennis player. She enjoyed traveling, going to plays and movies, and going out to lunch with friends. Later, she was an enthusiastic gambler and loved family trips to Las Vegas and day trips with friends to casinos in California. She will be remembered for her kindness and support for others.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Toichi Iwanaga; and her sisters Gladys Kato (Jerry), Joyce Tamashiro (Chokey), and Joann Smoot (Dean). She is survived by her brother, Wayne Iwanaga of Watsonville, and her sister, Susie Hom of Palm Springs. She is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews, 8 great-nieces and nephews and 1 great-great niece and 1 great-great nephew, with one more scheduled to arrive in January. She is also survived by several cousins and dear friends.
A private service was held earlier this month.
Published in The Pajaronian · July 16, 2026