Michelle Oneal
Michelle Oneal Obituary
Michelle Oneal (Masako Onizuka) passed away on July 25, 2024. Her exuberance, passion and sense of humor were an integral part of her life.
She was born and raised in Kumamoto Japan where she attended the Kyushu Mission School followed by Sophia University to study business. Ambitious with a love for learning and enough bravery to defy cultural norms, she moved to Tokyo as a young woman where she eventually landed a role as a statistical technician at the (PACAF) US Airforce Base in Fuchū Tokyo, Japan.
Masako grew to love American culture. At the time her favorite movie was Breakfast at Tiffany’s and she loved the romantic music of Nat King Cole. With a heart for adventure, she pursued a dream of coming to the United States and started a family in the 60’s.
Her interests ranged from modeling to painting. She quickly directed her studies in art at the University of Dayton, Ohio, College of Fine Arts. She then briefly returned to Japan to study under Master Japanese watercolorist, Raizo Kodera, an officially recognized National Treasure Artist of Nagoya, Japan. Masako went on to become an award-winning artist whose watercolor paintings inspired by her native country Japan and mixed media work hung in galleries and in the homes of Governors, Musicians, Poets and many others. This and the contribution of her artwork to charities drew attention from the organization Daughters of the American Revolution. She received a DAR Americanism Medal for outstanding naturalized US citizenship. She also enjoyed gardening, dancing and learning classical guitar.
In her later years, her adventurous spirit and artistic passion brought her to Aix-en-Provence for a summer to learn French and study the great impressionist masters in the place Van Gogh spent time.
Masako moved off and on to Southern California. Every time she moved away, the great weather, wonderful friends, and access to her favorite Japanese food kept calling her back. Above all else, her faith in God and love for dear friends and family filled her time and kept her joyful.
She is survived by 3 children Gordon, Shelle, and Jennifer as well as 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
Masako asked to be cremated and have her ashes scattered in the Pacific near the coast of her beloved California in a private service.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers please donate to the Cypress College Foundation. Within the gift note, please specify that you would like the funds to go to the fine art department where she spent much of her time.
Masako Onizuka will be remembered for her artistic brilliance, her adventurous spirit and her wonderful Japanese culinary skills. She will be deeply missed.
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