December 20, 1936 August 13, 2024 Miiko Iwanami Rowe, 87, of Hickory, passed away August 13, 2024. Born December 20, 1936 in Shiogama, Japan, she was the daughter of the late Takeo Iwanami and Yoshiko Tamura. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Peter Pinkney Rowe; son, Mitchell Takeo Rowe; stepmother, Tomoko Iwanami.
Miiko was a translator for the US Army during the Korean Conflict where she met her future husband, working in his office as an interpreter in Hakodate, Hokkaido. She was one of the founders of the Oriental Club which helped Asian women acclimate into the American culture and form a camaraderie. Miiko became a Christian after hearing Helen Keller speak at IAI Women's Academy in Japan.
Her faith and membership in First United Methodist Church played an integral part in her life. She was an incredible artist, enjoyed karate, horseback riding (at age 82), and sewing. She was in daily contact with her children and grandchildren, ever present at every event.
This incredible lady, filled with grace and beauty, touched all who knew her with her kindness, loving spirit and warm laughter. Survivors include her son, Terry Rowe of Hickory; daughter, Kathy Rowe Keener (Staley) of Hickory; sister, Chieko Watanabe; daughter-in-law, Rebecca Bandy Rowe of Hickory; grandchildren, Peter Allen Rowe, William"Beau"Rowe, LaneyMerrill (Josh), SarahKeener Moretz (Shane Hasty), Katherine Keener Nye (Brandon), Laura Geraldine Keener; great-grandchildren, Lily Moretz, Eva Grace Moretz, MacLaren Moretz, Sydney Nye, Brody Nye; sister-in-law, Carol Rowe Smith (Larry) and a number of nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.
m. Saturday, August 17, 2024 at First United Methodist Church with The Revs Paul Christy and Jennifer Forrester officiating. A reception will follow the service.
Committal services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, August 19, 2024 at Catawba Memorial Park.
Memorials may be sent to the Helen Keller International Foundation. The family would like to thank all the friends, churches and caregivers for the joy they brought to not only Miiko but also to her family. Get local news delivered to your inbox!.
