MADERA - Dorothy Katsumi Nishimoto, devoted mother and grandmother and dear friend, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, at the age of 98. She was surrounded by family during her final days at home.
Dorothy was born on May 6, 1927, to Taka and Tadao Yashima in Honolulu, Hawaii. She had a lifelong love for the arts. Her talents were recognized early in grade school, and she was selected to attend the Honolulu Academy of Arts. She graduated from Farrington High School and then the University of Hawaii. She continued her academic studies and received a Master's in Fine Arts from Colorado State University in Greeley.
Dorothy returned to Hawaii and began a career in education, first as an art teacher in Waipahu and then as a vice-principal at Barbers Point Elementary School. While she was a teacher, she participated in an exchange program and traveled to Hartford, Connecticut, to teach.
In 1959, she met Sunny Nishimoto through family friends. She enjoyed a romantic, long-distance courtship and married on August 20, 1960, in Honolulu. The two lived happily married for 45 years in Madera until Sunny’s passing on Aug 2, 2006.
Through the years, Dorothy helped Sunny with the businesses, Bridge Store, Fastway Chicken, and Fastway Market.
Dorothy loved to have every day’s agenda filled with fun and interesting things to do, especially with her children, grandchildren, and close friends. She loved reading, music, puzzles, going places near and far, stage performances, sharing stories, and joking around.
Dorothy’s love for her family is infinite. She is survived by daughter Mary, son-in-law David Fedorko, and granddaughter Zoe; son Wally, daughter-in-law Kathy, grandchildren Tommy, Brandon, Lauren, and Ryan; daughter Ruth, son-in-law Gaylen Thelander, and grandchildren Carly and Jared.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Nishimoto Family Scholarship Fund, 800 N D Street, Madera, CA 93638. Services are private.