Jun began her 96-year life in Shanghai, China as part of a prominent Japanese family. She grew up in Kochi, Japan, and was one of the earliest women to graduate from Tokyo University.
In 1954 she married Robert “Bob” Brandenburg, and moved with him to San Francisco as a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1955. Bob was a U.S. Naval officer, and as they raised their two children, Carl and Catherine, they were stationed in locations around the world including Asia, Europe and several locales the United States.
Jun embraced the frequent household moves, and enthusiastically studied the varied cultures, cuisines, arts and landmarks of places in the world they explored. She became a skilled cook, seamstress, artist, gardener and many other roles as a flourishing Navy wife and mother.
Her curiosity and outgoing personality cultivated many close friendships wherever she traveled, and despite joining the post-war American culture as a Japanese woman, she was welcomed and appreciated.
In 1968, after a fine career as a U.S. Naval officer, Bob retired and the family built a home in Mukilteo, Washington. After so many years of relocations, Jun and Bob settled down and raised their children in a beautiful setting where they established strong roots.
In 1987, Bob passed away from skin cancer at age 59. It was devastating to the family, but the passage of time and the marriages of Carl (to Carol Young) and Catherine (to David High) in the next few years brought happier times. Then, the arrival of Jun’s four grandchildren, Robert and Sierra Brandenburg, and Ember and Marisa High, joyously began the next chapter in her story.
One of Jun’s greatest delights was helping to raise, teach, feed and entertain her grandchildren. She bestowed to them her virtues of kindness, creativity, curiosity and a sly sense of humor, just as she did with Carl and Catherine.
Jun’s life was a sublime journey, and her family and friends will forever be grateful for having had her loving engagement in our lives.
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