Hiroko N. Vitanovec

Hiroko Noda Vitanovec, 93 passed away on December 21, 2020 in El Paso, Texas. Hiroko was born in Fukuoka, Kyushu Japan on January 18th, 1927. As a child her father took her to Shanghai China to live and stay out of harm’s way during World War II, they returned to her home town where she grew up and went to Kyushu High School. Later in life while working as a civilian at Itaske Air Force Base, she met Edward John Vitanovec who was stationed at the base serving the USAF. They went Roller Skating on their first date, over time they fell in Love and were married. She had her first son (Edward Jr) in Fukuoka Japan, and then the USAF transferred them to El Paso Texas. This is where she had her second son (Michael) and twin Daughters (Brenda and Beverly). El Paso Texas became home and would return after her husband retired from the USAF. She began working in the garment industry for Farah and Levis during the 70’s and into the late 80’s before retiring. Her husband had a severe stroke in early 1991 which left him permanently disable and bed ridden, she lovingly cared for him at their home for 15 years before he passed away in 2006. Hiroko enjoyed gardening; favorite vegetables were Egg Plant, Squash and Cucumbers and loved to cook Japanese food. Enjoyed sewing clothes and had a big heart for animals, her adapted dogs and cats and those less fortunate in animal shelters. She liked to go to the Casino with her friends. She enjoyed watching TV shows like the Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, also TV Japan where she could see her favorite sport, Sumo Wrestling and she knew the stats on all those heavy weight men wearing those funny looking thongs. The last 6 years and 4 months she lived comfortably and peacefully at Serenity House Assisted living where she was cared for by the staff, residences and staff became her extended family. A place where friends and family could visit her and know she was safe and cared for with love. Hiroko is preceded in death by her parents Tokusuke Noda and Sige Noda, brother Yoshihiko, Husband Edward Vitanovec and is survived by a step brother, Keiichi Hoshino – Yokohama Japan, Sons Edward Jr, Michael, twin daughters Brenda and Beverly and six grandchildren, Chesna, Ian, Colten, William, Madison and Kelli. Visitation will be on Wednesday December 30, 2020 between 1:00pm and 4:00pm, Sunset Funeral Home, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr. Scripture Service will be Wednesday December 30, 2020 at 2:00pm, Sunset Funeral Home, 4631 Hondo Pass Dr. Direct Burial will be Thursday December 31st, 2020 at 9:30am, Ft Bliss National Cemetery. No service or visitation allowed. No flowers will be allowed, Hiroko would be proud if donations were made to Humane Society of El Paso on Fred Wilson (915) 532-6971 or to Pet Guardian Angel Welfare Association (915) 598-0411.