Jean Yorozu
April 1, 1924 - January 27, 2012
Obituary
Jean Sameshima Yorozu was born in Seattle on April 1, 1924, the oldest child of Wozo and Sayo Sameshima. Her life ended on January 27, 2012. During her childhood, she lived in Seattle, WA; Minot, ND; and Whitefish, MT. Her family eventually settled in Seattle, where she graduated from Broadway H.S. in 1942. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Jean and her family were relocated to the Puyallup Fairgrounds and then to Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho. Following WWII, Jean married Henry Yorozu, and they made Seattle their home. Jean was a homemaker known for hosting meals for family and friends with her apple pie as her signature dessert. Though a stay at home mom for many years, Jean worked for 15 years at Frederick & Nelson’s distribution center. At Christmas time, family could count on filbert crescent cookies, raspberry jelly—with raspberries from her own garden, and a box of Frangos. Jean and Henry enjoyed salmon fishing, hunting for matsutake, clam digging, bowling, and golfing. Jean and Henry enjoyed annual golfing getaways with life- long friends to southern California as well as to Hawaii, South Carolina and Florida. They vacationed in Mexico, Japan, and Canada. One of their favorite trips took them to Alaska: a cruise to celebrate their 50th anniversary with William and Yae Yorozu. An avid local sports fan, Mom attended many Seahawk and Mariner games and never missed a televised game. In the past few years, Sunday family dinners became a tradition, and while Jean loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, the greatgrandchildren brought real joy to her life.
Jean was predeceased in death by her parents and her husband of 56 years. She is survived by her loving daughters, Susan Tripp, Joanne Yorozu (Tim Button), Patty Schultz (Gary), Judy Yorozu (Karen Barnes); granddaughters Johanna Barrows (Jason), Kelly Schultz, Tracy Begley (Nick), Jaime Schultz; and 4 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Jack, Robert, and George (Sumiko) Sameshima, Mary Kawase, Cathy Tsujioka, Nancy Kadotani; sister-in-law, Yae Yorozu, brothers-in-law, Arthur Yorozu and Lee Erlandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration in Jean’s memory will be held on February 16, 2012, 4-7 p.m., at Hong’s Garden in Renton, WA. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Nisei Veterans Committee, 1212 S. King St., Seattle, WA 98144, Nikkei Concerns,1601 E. Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122, or a charity of your choice.
Sue and Family,
Please know you are surrounded by a loving spirit who has no limits. The REACH Family extends its love also to you and yours. My spirit will be present on February 16.
Edker
To my dearest friend, Sue. Just to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May warm blessings be with each of you during this time of sadness. Healing will come with time. Take care.
Susan: So sorry to read about your mother. These times are hard, but my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time. Love to see you again in the near future. With deepest sympathy.
Judy and Patty – Your mom sounds like she was such a charming woman. My thoughts are with you both.
Susan
Sue,
You were a comforting source of support and love at the time of my Mom’s passing, and I send you that love and support now.
I will be on the road at the time of your Mom’s memorial celebration, so will join you in spirit. Please call me anytime for a lunch or a cup of tea as you go through the process of healing over the year ahead.
Gary