Toshiko Kowallis, 82, departed this life on December 10, 2016, with her family by her side in San Jose, California.

Born in Osaka Japan, Toshiko met her husband, Donald, while he was stationed in the region. They were married at the American Embassy in Tokyo and moved to California in 1959.

For several years, Toshiko worked in the semiconductor industry as a highly skilled gold ball wire bonder.           In addition to being an exceptional homemaker, seamstress and cook, she was an avid crafter who specialized in intricate beadwork, jewelry-making, knitting, crocheting and origami.

Hidden behind her shy and reserved demeanor, Toshiko had a wonderfully warm sense of humor and the heart of an explorer. She loved to travel and see the world, and in addition to her annual treks to Japan to visit family and friends, she cruised to Mexico, the Caribbean and Alaska.  In 1993, Toshiko spent several months backpacking across the United Kingdom and Europe.

Toshiko is survived by her husband of 58 years, Donald Andrew Kowallis; daughters Carol Kowallis and Linda Wallace; son-in-law Gary Wallace; and two granddaughters, Selina Woggermon and Shannon Wallace. Her son, Donald Rick Kowallis preceded her in death in January, 2004

Memorial Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2016, at Alameda Family Funeral Home at 12341 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road in Saratoga. A graveside service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. at Los Gatos Memorial Park.  Visitation will precede the services on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.