Alyce Sumiye (Takayama) Shinmoto

On the morning of December 19, 2019 Alyce Sumiye Shinmoto passed away peacefully at the age of 96 in Los Angeles, CA. Alyce was born in Dinuba, CA on October 2, 1923, one of 9 children to Fuyutaro and Tsune Takayama. She and her family lived on a farm and although life was difficult, they were a closely-knit family. She graduated from Reedley High School and wanted to become a nurse. In 1942 she and her family were interned in Poston, Arizona for 4 years. At the end of World War 2, she moved to Chicago with her oldest brother Joe, and her sister Ruth. She completed business college then moved to San Francisco, She worked as a secretary and enjoyed bowing on a league, knitting argyle socks, and doing fine embroidery. There she met George Shinmoto. They married in 1951, had 3 children, and lived in French Camp, CA. Alyce was widowed in 1966 and moved her family to Los Angeles. She worked at UCLA for 23 years as a librarian in the University Research Library. She enjoyed playing the slot machines in Las Vegas; growing a vegetable garden; ball room dancing; volunteering at Church; shopping with her daughter and sister, Mae; going on walks with Randy; reading the Reader’s Digest; cooking traditional Japanese foods; giving her grandson birthday parties; and taking care of her cat, Moses.

Alyce is survived by her sons, Randy and Gregg Shinmoto and daughter Debbie Heermann. Grandson, Ryan Heermann, daughter in-law, Junko Sugii; sister, Mae Shishido; sister in-law, Yuki Takayama; numerous nephews and nieces; and many other loving family members. Alyce will be remembered by her cheerful nature, laughter, and smile. 

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