Midori Bamba - Cremation Society of Virginia

Midori Bamba

Date of Death: September 17, 2020

Midori Bamba passed away peacefully on Thursday 9/17/2020. Born April 27, 1948 in Otaru, Japan, a city in snow country, she loved the snow all her life. In 1973, Midori came to America as a student and America became her permanent home.

After living in California for some years, she moved to Montgomery West Virginia and, while raising her family, attended college and received her degree as a dental hygienist.

Later, she settled in Virginia Beach. While working in dental offices and bringing up her children, Midori also managed to find time to pursue her passion – writing. Over the years, writing in English, her second language, she successfully published 10 books and magazine articles. Many of her books and stories are historical fiction based on fact. An avid reader, Midori said she often found facts to be more interesting and compelling than fiction.

She was a member of Virginia Beach Writers for over thirty years and also belonged to Hampton Roads Writers as a charter member. She won several prizes for her writing and was always willing to help other aspiring writers publish their work.

A most generous and compassionate person, Midori made friends wherever she went. She was a twenty year volunteer at the Virginia Beach Public Library, and, after her children were grown and she lived alone, she often hosted her friends at luncheons featuring her delicious home made Japanese foods.

Midori attended the Virginia Beach Friends Meeting on Laskin Road.

She is survived by her 2 children, James (son), Jane (daughter), Rob (son-in-law), Xander (grandson) and 3 dogs (Belle, Gronk and Dexter).

A Memorial for the celebration of the life of Midori will be held on Thursday, September 24th at 6 PM EST on a Zoom Meeting call. When available, the Zoom Information will be posted at https://www.vbfriends.org.

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James and Jane, we are all so blessed to be touched by your Mother. We work together as dental hygienist and I have such comforting memories of her. If you get the opportunity please email back and let me know how she was doing at the very end. Lord knows she's in heaven now.

Sorry for your loss, She was amazing. A friend for a short time, I will miss her. ANITA ALCARAZ

I am deeply saddened by the news of Midori-San passing. I did not have much opportunity to talk with her but I admire the way how she expressed herself through her poems and also sharing her thoughts during our bible study. I will cherish the memories we spent time together laughing and enjoying Japanese lunch and conversations with her. It was an honor to have known such a great woman and I will truly miss her. May God embrace you in comfort during this difficult time.

James and Jane, my thoughts,prayers, and heart go out to you at this time. My memories of your mother are of a mom who loved her children deeply and reached out to others with encouragement and generosity. I always felt thankful for the blessing of your family and of your mom’s hospitality and open arms that she extended to Ben through so many years. He loved her Japanese rice and her friendship while spending time at your house. Your mom continued to send encouraging notes to me through the years. She now rests healed and peaceful in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our love goes out to you both.

James and Jane, how does one express what a gift your mother was. I remember birthday cards & poems & even books as presents for special occasions. She was always smiling. Just having known her, for me will always be special. You have so much to be proud of, as she was proud of you. Sincerely Lupe Santoyo

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I know Midori through her attendance at Friends Meeting. Her kind and humble spirit was an inspiration to me. She was so thoughtful in so many ways. She made pillows for the Meetinghouse benches, hand wrote messages and cards to me, made incredible sushi for hospitality, made a potholder for me, shared her wonderful stories and her sense of humor. She will be missed. My heart goes out to you during this time of loss. May Midori be in peace and smile down on you every day.

Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Rav and I did not have the pleasure to meet Midori in person, but we have met her wonderful daughter Jane. Midori has done a wonderful job as a mother, in raising her children.

To my niece Jane and nephew James with our prayers and deepest sympathy for the loss of ur beloved mom Midori. She’s in heaven now with the Lord . Eternal rest grant unto her and let perpetual light shine upon her. Love always from uncle delfin and auntie estrella, ursula and janelle, pinky, alan and christopher

Sincerest condolences to you and your family. Jane my heart goes out to you during this very sad time.

Jane, My heartfelt condolences are extended to you and your family. Your mom sounded like an amazing woman. I hope the many wonderful memories comfort you during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Jane, my friend and co-worker. I am very sorry for your lost! I hope you have some peace that your mom was surrounded by loved and was cared for during her last days. If you need anything as you know you can always call me. I pray God provides you and your family strength during this time!

Jane, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your most beloved mom. May she rest in the palm of the Divine's hand. She sounded like such an amazing, accomplished woman - you were very blessed. I am sending prayers for you and family for strength to get through the grief and a lot of love and peace. Please let me know if I can be of help to you!

Jane, I am so sorry for you and your families loss. Your mother sounds like a truly amazing person and I know she will always be with you, James, Rob and Xander. Please know we are wishing you all peace and comfort during this difficult time.

We did not have the pleasure of meeting Midori but have had the pleasure of knowing her daughter Jane, son-in-law Rob, and grandson Xander. We are saddened for their loss and send our heartfelt sympathies to all of Midori's family and friends.

Midori took her work seriously. Her stories were about people who made a difference in the lives of others. They were heroes, and so was she. I will miss her very much.

Midori and I met some fifteen or twenty years ago when Lauran Strait arranged for us to room together at the James River Writer's Conference. It was the first time either of us had attended a conference and we became instant friends. That friendship deepened through the years and we shared many good times together. Midori was one of the most generous, loving persons I have ever known. We bonded most closely through our love of writing. I admired her for the beautiful stories she wrote. How difficult it must have been for her to write in English, her second language. She was tireless in rewriting and polishing her prose. She always found something that called for improvement and produced so many fascinating tales based on history and real life. I will miss our times together, the birthday lunches, her frequent gifts of homemade sushi, and our talks when we traded stories of our childhoods and lifetime experiences. I can only imagine how much her children will miss her. How delighted she was to have a grandchild. I know he will grow to read and appreciate the books she left for him. What a wonderful legacy! How lucky I feel to have had her friendship these many years.

Jane and James, As you know I had the pleasure of living next door to your mother. I would see her gardening daily. Her love for her gardens was everything. Not only did she plant to eat, but she planted beautiful flowers too; the perfect combination. She and I would often chat about our lives and as neighbors do we helped each other with the little things. I started mowing and weed eating your mothers lawn when I mowed mine. I was out there anyway. As gracious as your mother was, she would bring me the most tasty healthy smoothly and other times she would bring me soup ou sushi. Any time something needed to be done that involved a ladder, she would ask me for help. Another time it was late evening and water was spraying from underneath the kitchen sink. It would have been a terrible flood for we couldn’t figure out where to turn off the water. I quickly called a friend who I knew had a water shut off tool. Roy to the Rescue! I had a special love and bond with your mother. I know you will miss her. I will too. Thank you for letting me dig up a few bulbs. I will be taking them to Texas with me and will always have a beautiful part of your mother’s love. Rest in Peace beautiful Midori. Arrigato! Thank you for your beautiful and special friendship.

Not very many meetings with the Virginia Beach Writers passed without the presence of Midori. She always had something to read through which she expressed her love of family, God, adventure, and people. She had a strong passion for writing and constantly improving. She will be missed.

We knew Midori from our Quaker Meeting, where she was a beautiful presence. She always seemed serene and glowed with her love of God. She contributed to the Meeting with her delicious snacks and with the books that many of us enjoyed. Her smile was seemingly ever-present. Midori took a special liking to my wife Barbara, and wrote a loving memorial tribute to her, which is a treasure to me. She also made a few little cloth gifts like pot holders, which I keep on the kitchen counter. Jane and James, we loved your mother and know you and your families will miss her dearly. Peace to you.

I did not know Midori well, but she donated books to my classroom library at school. I always enjoyed talking with her about Japan at the VB Friends Meeting. She was kind and compassionate and we will all miss her. Rest In Peace Midori.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

On September 20, 2019 at 12:52 p.m., I took 6 pictures of Midori at the HRW conference. She was at her table, with all her books and smiling like an angel. I purchased her book "Short Stories" and had a beautiful conversation with her. She's a beautiful soul. I wish I could've spent more time getting to know her. She was so kind, sweet and thoughtful to me. The Writing world will miss such an inspiring talent. Arigato Midori.

Midori has always held a special place in my memories. As one of Jane’s close friends, I loved coming to visit Jane and her mom. She helped introduce me to Japanese foods and told me why they were good for you. She was always so welcoming and loving. Another favorite memory is Midori singing Japanese lullabies to my first baby. Midori will be missed greatly. We are praying for her family and friends.

Midori-san said what others didn't say, sometimes shocking and always in the spirit of love. While one main focus of hers this past year at VBW group was getting another woman's obituary right, she was unaware of being ill herself. I still think she "channeled" her historical fiction. Midori impressed me with her bold approach to getting things published! Nothing stopped her. I envied how she sought out helpers, and as others have said, how she showed her appreciation for them all. She tried to connect me with them before she died (her idea). I remember her frying pan story, about living alone and not needing a big one, the first thing I ever heard her read at an HRW show and grow. She was the epitome of generosity and receptiveness, and the spirit of show and grow! I think she had a sort of genius.

I will carry my memories of Midori’s with me. Visits with Midori always made me feel special and cared about.

Midori, I’ve known her as a hard worker, ever since her children were teenagers as she was a member of Japanese Christian group. Having loved “tofu”, she never failed to bring “tofu” to our once a month gathering. Midori, being a very independent thinker, and having a great love for people and understanding for their needs. She enjoyed writing and shared her thoughts through writing, made a way to connect to others also, not only with her art crafts. I always felt that her great love for Jane and James, respecting each one of their desires and wishes, even if doing so gave her loneliness sometime, which was greatly comforted by Lord Jesus and many friends here in Virginia. I do respect and admire her greatly in the way she conducted her last stage toward the end of living life. I am happy that she moved forward to the next step into her eternal life without pain.

I met Midori under the guidance of God, and as a Christian sister and a good friend of crafts, I had a wonderful time laughing, praying, and encouraging each other. May God comfort Midori’s Family in the sadness and loneliness of there hearts. Thanks be to God.

Dear families, my thoughts and prayers are with all families. I enjoyed gather with Ms. Midori the Japanese Christian service too. Talked about sewing and her faith. I miss her and tofu salad that she brought us. Thank you, Miyoko

I first met Midori over ten years ago when I joined Virginia Beach Writers. What I will remember most about her was her beaming smile, she exuded joy. She wrote and read her stories with such enthusiasm. There was a quiet kindness and generous spirit about her. Over the years, she gave me several of her beautiful, handmade gifts, and every Christmas I would receive a special Christmas card or book. I am grateful her pain is gone and feel certain she's resting in the loving arms of God. Prayers and condolences to her family.

I knew Midori for many decades, she has been trying....and tried very hard for a better life. A very caring person.... her children made her proud. A good friend....always shared conversations passionately and honestly. About two weeks before her passing, Midori said " Heaven is near ." she faced death fearlessly and peacefully waiting for the Lord to call her home on her own terms. Midori, jobs were well done and mission accomplished. May you Rest In Peace ! My thoughts and prayers are with Jane and James. And peace to all.

When I first joined Hampton Roads Writers one of the first people I met was Midori. She was always joyful and loving. Her enthusiasm for her craft was evident and she was always glad to share. It was not unusual for her to show up at an event bearing gifts. I missed her before she was even gone. Best wishes to her family. She was uplifting and we could take a lesson from her grace.

Midori was part of our book club at Great Neck Library for years. She shared her published books with us and knitted scarves for us at Christmas. We will miss her and remember her fondly.

Midori was a second mom to me. Me and James are close friend and I got to spend a lot of time with her at his house in high school. She’d cook us her special chicken rice and tell us stories sometimes. She always treated me like I was part of her family. She was caring, creative, kind, a storyteller, and a good mother. I’m happy I was able to talk with her before she passed. I’ll miss her, my thoughts are with James and Jane.

Midori was a very creative, kind and generous person. She had an abundance of energy and was always on the go. I enjoyed talking to her and learned many things from her. She had an unknown depth of stories to tell, and we will continue to tell her story. Rest in Peace, my friend. You will be greatly missed.

Holy Creator, give us eyes to see and ears to hear how every living thing speaks to us of your love. Let us be awestruck at your creations and daily sing your praises. Especially, create within us a spirit of gratitude for our life and for our beloved ones, and those who have lived among us and given us freely of their love. Even in our sorrow we have cause for joy for we know that all living beings who died on earth shall live again in your new creation. Amen.

Midori and I met at Virginia Beach Community Chapel many years ago and remained in touch until our last visit this month, September. I have many of her books and handmade items that I will treasure. She was an inspiration to many and we will miss her. Now she rests in the arms of her Savior, no longer weak and sick.

She has inspired me greatly by sharing her love toward God. I will miss her, but I am happy for her that she is now with Avinu Malkeinu, Our Father, Our King. God Bless.

Midori was passionate about her writing and worked diligently at the craft. She had a genuine curiosity about the world we live in. Her writings consistently spoke to the good in man, always describing individuals who succeeded by being able to overcome great obstacles. She incorporated scripture in much of her writing, and accepted religion as a guiding light directing how we should live our lives. She was also a good friend. She often asked me for technical advice about subjects I barely understood myself. Sometimes, I would have trouble understanding her and was not always sure if she understood me. Nevertheless, a gift of appreciation, usually handmade, would always follow. A good way to celebrate her life would be to read some of her stories because she put so much of herself into them. I will miss receiving an email or note from her with the greeting “Dear Phil-san.

Dear Bamba Family, We sat together during the Japanese Christian service. We shared our thoughts and thanksgivings to our Lord Jesus Christ during Bible Study. We enjoyed good food after God’s message. Tears and Laughter, Sadness, and Encouragement, you are now in HIS hands. May our Lord Jesus be with your loving children and their families. Love in Christ, Rie

I was blessed to have Midori working in my office have her share her stories and novels. We stayed in touch and exchanged cards. I will never forget her.

RIP Midori. Condolences to her family. I will miss her kind and generous spirit.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest condolences to Midori's children Jane and James. Midori was a loving and devoted mother. A faithful friend for more than 30 years. May memories help comfort her loved ones during this difficult time. She remains forever in our hearts.

Midori was always busy doing something--crafts, gardening, cooking, and her writing. But she always had time to be so generous of sharing her time. She had been a blessed friend of mine since 1981. She was a VERY loving mother to Jane and James. She is no longer here. But she is forever in my heart. RIP

O. Snow, So pure and kind. Even those who knew you only briefly grieve at your passing. Condolences and peace to your family and friends.

Midori had such a sweet spirit. Always positive. Always generous. Always kind. She will be missed. She shared so many gifts with our writers group. A true testament, she lived her faith. Rest in peace, Midori. Godspeed.

It’s still hard to believe that Madori has crossed over. She was a staple at our Tuesday’s Writers Group. She worked hard at her craft. She gifted me one of her books. Thanks Madori. RIP.

MIdori will be missed at the writers' group. If my memory serves me well, she and joined the group in the same year, 2003. May she be peaceful in her heaven.

Midori was a wonderful woman. So giving and full of joy. I only knew a few short years, but they will be ones I will treasure. I have many crafts and a couple of books she gave me. They will be a constant reminder of her thoughtful nature.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.