In Memory

Taka Kawatsu (Nomura) - Class Of 1936

Taka Kawatsu (Nomura)

Taka Nomura, 95, a South Pasadena born Nisei, passed away at her residence in Pasadena on January 23, 2012.  Born January 12, 1917, Taka was the youngest of the five Kawatsu sisters, all of whom attended SPHS.

In 1962 she was the head teacher at Pacific Oaks Children's School in Pasadena when she was recruited to establish a developmentally appropriate early childhood program for the Mother's Club Family Learning Center in Pasadena.  She implemented a guiding principle that is still used today:  to provide a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while responding to the needs of families.

Taka was predeceased by her husband Charles (Michy) Nomura, and is survived by her daughter, Christine Naito; son Stephen (Ginger) Nomura of Berkeley; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.