KAZUKO GARBER

Kazuko "Kay" Garber, Kingston, formerly of Hunlock Creek, died on Friday, July 12, 2024 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, surrounded by her loving daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Born in Guam and raised in Okinawa; she was the daughter of the late Kenkeich and Sara Uehara. Despite a challenging childhood, marked by hardship and loss, Kazuko exhibited remarkable determination and perseverance. During WW2, at age 8, Kazuko sold ice candy on the streets of Okinawa to help support her grandmother after the death of her parents.

Working as a busgirl, she met and married the love of her life, Robert Garber in Okinawa, Japan. They were married for 59 years, prior to his death in 2018. Driven by an unyielding work ethic and keen business sense, she and her husband were the proprietors of Kazuko’s Store and Kazuko’s Restaurant until their retirement in 1999. After retirement, Kazuko enjoyed traveling with her husband, going to the casino, the Chinese buffet for sushi and bragging about her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Barbara (Nick Nipitella) Rusinko of Hanover Township, Brenda Lamoreaux Garber of Kingston, Karen (James) Hannon of Hanover Township, Mary Herbert of Dallas, Kimberly Franks of Kingston; 12 grandchildren, Ericka, Chelsea, Ryan, Robert, Mary Kate, Meighan, Bethany, Bridget, Emma, Sarah, Julia, Aidan; as well as 9 great grandchildren, sister Reiko (Ronald) Kime' of Austin, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 10:00 am from the Piatt Funeral and Cremation, 6 Sunset Lake Road, Hunlock Creek, with interment at Maple Hill Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Friends are invited to join the family on Monday, July 22, 2024 from 6 to 8 pm and Tuesday morning from 9:30 am until time of service.
 

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