Mrs. Kuniye “Florence” Iwamoto passed away on Sept. 2, 2024, at her home in Overland Park, Kan. She was 96.
Mrs. Iwamoto was a skilled quilter, crocheter, and seamstress. Not only did she sew all her own clothes, but she also sewed tiny clothes for her daughters’ Barbie dolls. She delighted in giving away her quilts, especially baby quilts and balls, to family and friends. She enjoyed gardening and cooking for her family. Later in life, she became a devoted fan of the University of Kansas basketball team, following the team closely and watching as many games as she could on TV.
Born on Feb. 28, 1928, Mrs. Iwamoto grew up in Port Allen on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. She spent the summers fishing, swimming, and crabbing, and playing in the ocean. Later, as she and her friends got older, they worked in the sugarcane and pineapple fields, and later, in the pineapple cannery.
She met her future husband, Reynold, on a blind date in Honolulu. They were married on Dec. 23, 1951, and moved to Boston, where Mr. Iwamoto attended graduate school. They settled in Lawrence, Kan., where Mr. Iwamoto was a professor of analytical chemistry at KU. Mrs. Iwamoto often baked brownies and other desserts for his graduate students. One of his students mentioned her kindness and baked goods in his dissertation. Mr. Iwamoto passed away in 2015.
Survivors include son Bryan; daughters Karen and Ellen; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A private service is planned.
Dear Bryan and family,
My condolences to you on your Mom’s passing. I have always enjoyed hearing about her, and wish I could have met her. Thank you for sharing her story and the lovely memories.
We were so sorry to learn of Florence’s passing. She and Rey were so much a part of our early days in the KU Chemistry Department and in Lawrence. She impressed me so much with her skill in sewing and her kind and modest demeanor. We missed seeing her when she moved away from Lawrence but we knew she was well cared for and enjoyed being closer to family. It was nice to learn more about her early days in Hawaii—the end of an era. Our thoughts are with you–Bryan, Karen, and Ellen.
To Florence’s Family-
I will also say she and her husband were such wonderful neighbors of mine (I’m currently still on 22nd St)-. Sending prayers of comfort-she will be missed!
Bryan,
Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your mother. I remember Mrs. Iwamoto fondly – a special lady.
My thoughts are with you during what I know is a difficult time.
Dear Ellen, Karen and Bryan,
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your mom! She was a sweet woman who was always kind. My sister, Sarah enjoyed sharing family news with her at Checkers! Wishing you comfort during this sad time.
With deepest sympathy,
Andy and Cecilia Godwin
Dear Bryan, Karen and Ellen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you over the loss of your wonderful mother. Florence, was the most thoughtful and caring friend you could ever wish for. I will always have fond memories of the many times that she and Ray would come to our home with home cooked food to share with our family. We would delight in hearing of their early days in Hawaii and hear of the latest news of their children as they were growing up. Florence will be dearly missed.
Hi Bryan, Karen and Ellen,
We just wanted to send our condolences to you regarding your mom’s passing. I eat breakfast every Saturday morning in downtown Lawrence with my two brothers, John and Bob, and this past Saturday we unanimously agreed that Florence was the kindest, most caring mother in our neighborhood. I can still remember her in the summertime running around in her pedal pushers and flip-flops. How cute! Your dad was also very special to us. I also have fond memories of your folks when your family traveled to Hawaii and they would bring us back Mrs. See’s suckers. What a treat! I also remember your mom bringing me a taco from what I believe what was the first taco stand in Lawrence just off 19th and Mass. We hope you and all of your families are doing well! Again, we’re so sorry for your loss.
Sending all of our love to you,
Ron and Cindy Nitcher
Kuniye- was a good neighbor of mine on 22nd st. My girls were recipients of her sewn balls! I am sorry for your loss! She was a very sweet lady!