Diane Iwasa Service Oct. 26th
Diane Iwasa (Ralph's wife) passed away unexpectedly Oct 17th. Diane was director of Animal Services for Contra Costa County for over 17 years. Donations may be made to:
Animal Benefit Fund (please specify "in memory of Diane Iwasa")
4839 Imhoff Place, Martinez, CA 94553
This donation will help fund a Health and Exercise room for animals at the new shelter where she worked. A dedication ceremony will be held at a future date upon completion of the new shelter.
On November 5th the Contra County Board of Supervisors will pass Resolution 2002/678 which states "NOW THEREFORE, BE IT BY BOARD RESOLVED, that the classroom in the new Animal Services Facility located in Martinez is hereafter named 'The Diane Iwasa Education Room' ".
Diane is survived by her husband Ralph, daughters Karen and Joy, son-in-law Mike Lubofsky (Karen); her mother and father, Yaeko and John Wada; sister Kathryn Jan; and sister Lynn Matsumoto. Cards or other items for the family may be sent to Karen Iwasa; her address is
1510 Sacramento Ave,
Berkley, CA 94530 (510) 524-0330
Here are some photos of her service:
Auntie Yonchan (foreground). Across the aisle were several members of the Contra County Animal Services, which Diane started and served as Director of for 17 years.
Diane and Ralph were avid gardeners, who frequently stocked the vegetable bins of family and friend's homes. To the right of the table are samples from their garden.
During the service family member s and co-workers praised Diane's generosity and unselfishness. After the service Ralph shows Gerald, Lynn, Doug, and Meredith a letter from the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, dedicating the education room in the new Animal Services Center, the "Diane Iwasa Education Room"
Joy and Ralph.
Ralph, Yonchan, Diane's mother, and Joy.