Longtime Torrance resident and federal civil servant remembered
Grace Masako Nomura Kono, who lived in Torrance and dedicated 44 years to the U.S. Department of Defense, died May 24 at the age of 99. The family confirmed her passing to the Daily Breeze; she was born March 1, 1927, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Her life, family members say, spanned nearly a century of change and service. Raised in the Kaimuki neighborhood as one of seven children of Tamesuke and Kumayo Nomura, she carried forward a sense of steadiness and devotion that guided her roles as a federal employee, wife and matriarch.
Her federal career in personnel management began at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu and included assignments in Japan, Utah and California. She married James Masanori Kono on April 5, 1950, in Tokyo while living abroad; the couple later raised a family rooted in tradition and mutual support.
- Age at death: 99
- Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Federal service: 44 years with the U.S. Department of Defense
- Marriage: James Masanori Kono, April 5, 1950, Tokyo
Grace was known to friends and relatives by several names — Mrs. Kono in formal settings, Grace or Gracie to siblings and close friends, and Grandma Kono to grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family members described her as "steadfast" and even-keeled, and said she was fiercely devoted to loved ones.
"To her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she will always be Grandma Kono."
Gardening, games and community life
She grew up helping a family chicken farm, but preferred the garden: tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, orchids and plumeria were among her favorites. Outside the yard, she organized themed office parties during her career and was known for dressing in character and encouraging coworkers to join in.
Recreation included golf — she competed in tournaments with friends — and regular card games. Las Vegas also held a special place in her life, according to the family.
| Year | Life event |
|---|---|
| 1927 | Born in Honolulu, Hawaii |
| 1950 | Married James Masanori Kono in Tokyo |
| — | 44-year career with U.S. Department of Defense |
| 2026 | Died May 24 in Torrance, California |
Family legacy in Torrance
As the family matriarch, she provided a constant source of love and guidance across generations. The family provided the obituary information to the Daily Breeze; arrangements and memorial details are being handled privately by relatives.
Neighbors and longtime acquaintances in Torrance will remember her for a combination of professional dedication, playful spirit and devotion to family. Her life story reflects both local roots and decades of federal service that took her from Hawaii to assignments overseas and across the mainland.
