Nancy Miyeko Shimamoto Kim passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of strength and devotion.

Nancy was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister (“Nechan” to her siblings), aunt, and friend. While she held many roles throughout her life, her greatest pride and joy was always her family—especially her grandchildren. Her visits were gatherings filled with laughter, stories, and connection.

She was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. After the bombing in Pearl Harbor, her family was given 1-2 weeks to get their affairs in order to leave their homes for the Japanese Internment camps.

They were first housed in the horse stables at the Santa Anita Racetrack for an unknown time, until boarding a train to Heart Mountain Internment Camp. Over the next 2 years, she recalls barbed wires with guards and guns, a pot belly stove, sleeping on cots, a small school, a big outhouse, and a mess hall. Her dad was able to leave the camp to go fishing. He worked on the railroad and came back with candy. It was very cold in the winter months. She was not scared because she was with her mom and dad —an experience that reflected both hardship and resilience.

After the war, her family returned to Los Angeles. She lived in a house with her 2 aunts and their families, where she spent a lot of time with her cousins. Her father eventually bought a house in Boyle Heights, where she grew up and attended Hollenbeck Junior High and Roosevelt High School. She enjoyed playing basketball and dodgeball in her youth.

Nancy married Young Kim, and together they built a life in Southern California. They began in Los Angeles before moving to Carson, where she formed lifelong friendships with the neighborhood moms. They later settled in Rolling Hills Estates, where they raised their four children. Their home on Bay Mare had a big pool and was the hub of the neighborhood. All the kids loved to gather there. Our door (and refrigerator) were always open to all.

Following her divorce, Nancy became a devoted single mother, raising her children with strength, independence, and unwavering expectations. She encouraged each of them to pursue higher education—all four proudly graduated from University of California schools.

Nancy worked at the DMV before becoming the owner of Harbor City Florist, reflecting her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. In the 1980s, she made a bold life transition—selling her business and home and moving to Truckee, California. She later settled in Reno, Nevada, where she created a vibrant new chapter of life and built new friendships.

She also lovingly cared for her father, Tadashi Shimamoto—known to all as “Grandpa” —demonstrating her deep sense of family responsibility and love.

Nancy embraced life with joy and fun. She loved camping and fishing trips with family and friends, traveling to places like Lake Tahoe and Reno, and spending time at Circus Circus—one of her favorite destinations. She enjoyed playing mahjong, card games, was part of a bowling league, and loved to gamble. Family traditions were important to her, including the cherished post-Thanksgiving poker games that brought everyone together.

She was known for her unwavering candidness, and was a woman of clear convictions who never minced words—though she certainly knew a few choice ones. With Nancy, you always knew exactly where you stood. Her family and friends deeply valued her candor and the genuine nature she brought to every conversation.

Later in life, Nancy moved to New Jersey to be closer to her daughter Erica. In her assisted living community, she became fondly known as the “hat lady”, always wearing a hat to match her outfit and bringing smiles to those around her.

She is survived by her loving family:

• Her son Grant Kim, his wife Annie, and their children Claire, Audrey, and Adam
• Her daughter Francine (deceased), her husband Lynn Formanek, and their daughter Miya
• Her daughter Erica and her husband Eric von der Lieth, and their daughters Alexis and Elyse
• Her son Troy Kim, his wife Noriko, and their son Tyler
• Her sister Claris Kuwahara and her husband Kyle

She is also survived by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and loved ones who meant so much to her.

Nancy will be remembered for her strength, independence, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the generations she raised and the countless lives she touched.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date in California. Details to follow, but we are planning for August. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to share memories, stories, and photos in her honor.

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