GENIA AKEMI HIROSHIMA

Genia Akemi Hiroshima passed away September 25, 2022 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Genia, born in Rupert, Idaho, moved with her family to Bakersfield in 1959. She graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1962 and went on to represent West L.A in the 1964 Nisei Week pageant where she was named Miss Tomodachi which stands for Friend. She met the love of her life Stephen M. Hiroshima at the pageant where he escorted her to her ball, they married Feb. 13, 1964 and were married for 58 years.  

Genia was self-employed most of her life and was a co-owner of Sakai Bonsai Nursery and then later became a Shiatsu therapist.  Genia is survived by her husband Stephen M. Hiroshima, 3 daughters and their spouses: Stephanie and Brad Verrell, Stacie and Orval Harber, Denise and Mike Slankard and son, Steven Hiroshima.  Genia’s greatest love and what she cherished most were her 10 grandchildren (Brittany & Craig Graham, Ashley & Dalton Wires, Justin & Kayla Verrell, Bailey Stockton, Eric Stockton, Kaitlin Verrell, Adrian Hiroshima, Regina Hiroshima, Zoee Harber and Nick Harber) and 5 great grandchildren who will miss her greatly.  She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Evelyn Sakai, and brother, Robert Sakai.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all her physicians at Kaiser, the physicians and nursing staff at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and Fresenius Dialysis Centers.  The care and compassion you have shown our mother over the years did not go unnoticed, you gave us more meaningful time with her and we appreciate you all for what you do. 

There will be a celebration of life for Genia on Saturday, November 5th from 1-4pm at Maui Pho Restaurant, 4011 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309.