July 7, 1927 - September 30, 2021)

Yoshiko “Pat” Baba

Pat was born to Kuzo Baba and Takae Baba (nee Eto) in Broderick, CA, one of 9 siblings. She passed away at home in Roseville after a day of visiting with family and friends. From the ages of 14-18, Pat was forcibly imprisoned in Japanese internment camps in Merced, CA and Amache, CO. After her release, she returned to California and worked as a housekeeper until being hired at the California State Library as a clerk, where she enjoyed working for 39 years until her retirement.

A lover of travel, Pat visited many places around the globe, including her parent’s birthplace of Fukuoka, Japan. Her all-time favorite destination was Yosemite. She was an avid reader and had multiple longtime penpals. Though she was fiercely independent, she was also deeply connected to those she loved. She cared for her mother and oldest brother in their old age and spent as much time with family and friends as possible. Her infectious laugh and the click of her polaroid could always be heard at family gatherings, to which she brought enough food that nobody went home without leftovers. Pat covered the walls of her home with pictures of the people she cared about and the cards that they wrote her.

Pat is survived by her brother, Bob Baba; her nieces and nephews, her grandnieces and grandnephews, and countless other family members and dear friends. Pat’s unforgettable presence will be remembered by the many people who loved her, and she will be missed dearly.