A vibrant light burned out Sept. 3, 2015.

Mom was born Oct. 5, 1924, to immigrant Japanese parents Gunichi and Hatsuko Hirai in Sandpoint, Idaho. She had two older siblings, Edwall and Aiko. They were the only Japanese family in the area and did not have to relocate to an internment camp during WWII. Her father worked for the Great Northern Railroad; her mother was a homemaker. They became lifelong friends, more like family, with their Italian neighbors, the Dellinos.

After high school, mom began doing clerical and billing tasks for a logging company. She was blessed with a mind for details and excelled at remembering names. She was recommended for a job in Pasco and relocated there, residing with the Yamaguchi family.

Soon she met a friendly sailor named Bill Coyle and married him in December of 1945. Navy life involved overseas deployments for dad and frequent moves for mom and I to be near his duty stations. I remember living in Florida and California, where she quickly made new friends through card games and other social events. Once dad retired, we returned to Oak Harbor where dad opened an engine repair business and mom became a legal secretary. She lost dad in 1975.

Later mom married John Wold and began the next phase of her life motor-homing the U.S. John had many interests. His curiosity and adventurous spirit took them to the Orient, Europe and elsewhere for extended forays. They became snowbirds and bought homes in Mexico and later Arizona. They loved to play cards and dance. Mom said, “John was the best dance partner ever.” Summers were spent on Whidbey Island. The grandchildren traveled with them by motorhome, sailed the Puget Sound area and spent idyllic summer vacations in Canada with them. Digging clams, checking crab pots and feasting on seafood and gritty clam chowder were part of the summer experience. John passed in 2011.

Mom made the decision to relocate to Kennewick and bought a villa at Canyon Lakes the next spring. She became an active member of the community club and loved playing cards — especially bridge! She quickly developed many new friendships.

Her most special friend was Art Swoboda. They had special times and fun together. He brought the brightest smile to her face. Near the end of her life, he was here daily. He lifted our spirits and held her hand as she transitioned. Good friends Dorothy and Myrlen were frequent visitors and kept our spirits bolstered and our sweets restocked.

Immediate surviving family includes Patti Gronewald and husband Tom; grandchildren Geoff (Nicole) and Julie Hulbert; great-grandchildren Joshua Hulbert and Abby and Mason Gronewald. A niece, Nancy Gilder and her husband Bob, reside in Klamath Falls, Ore.

By marrying John Wold, the family grew to include his five children, Kristi (Bernard), Bob, Ed (Nancy) and Jeff (Rose). John’s son, Bruce, died earlier. The Wold side of the family at last count includes 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mostly, mom loved people. She remained social to the end. She disliked funerals and didn’t want a sad gathering. She enjoyed a good party. We will celebrate her life with a party in her honor from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at her villa, 3534 S. Huntington Loop, Kennewick. Hope to see you there!