Mary A Yoshimura

Mary Aono Yoshimura was born Feb. 18, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois. She passed away very early in the morning on Aug. 21, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. She had been in hospice care for the last months of her life. An older sister was sitting with her as she departed on her final journey.

Mary was the second daughter of Sachie Aono Yoshimura and Yoshizo James Yoshimura, both of whom preceded her in death. The 8th child in a family of 11 children, Mary’s siblings include: (Lt. Colonel) John (deceased); Yoshimi; Leo Akira; William (deceased); Joseph; James; Thomas (deceased); Cathy; Robert; and Daniel.

She spent her early years in Chicago. After graduating from Francis Parker High School, she left for the East Coast and attended Connecticut College (New London, CT), graduating with honors in history. She majored in history, Asian studies and Chinese language. She married her college sweetheart, Jeffrey Elkin, and they had two children, Mathew and Aliza. Two grandchildren Moss and Zed, were also her joy.

In her early life, Mary successfully tried out for a singing and acting role in a professional production of South Pacific. She and her siblings also performed in The King and I and Flower Drum Song. Her charm and artful qualities were equally matched by her judo training, which was effectively used to protect a younger sister from a neighborhood bully. Mary was elegant, glamorous, and her lovely smile masked an intelligence that became evident to those who were lucky to call her a friend.

Her professional career highlights include establishing and managing her own company for 17 years, JJU Distributors Inc., (New London, CT). Prior to that, Mary worked in administrative offices for two medical centers in Baltimore, MD.

After moving to Springfield, she was co-owner and vice president of Sachi Flowers and Gifts Inc. The business benefited from her fiscal acumen, customer relations skill, and all-around business savvy. She and her co-owner, older sister Yosh, enjoyed being together. Working with beautiful, fresh flowers and merchandise from around the world, they also shared great lunches from various Springfield restaurants.

Family memories include Mary’s ability to organize special events celebrating various family achievements. She also advised a younger sister who then wrote a winning essay and was rewarded by being part of a U.S. delegation to the newly reopened People’s Republic of China.

Volunteer activities included helping with programs and projects for Connecticut College’s Alumni Association. She also volunteered as an after-school drama teacher at East Lyme (CT) Middle School. Finally, she watched the annual college basketball tournament and talked knowledgeably about the players, coaches, team strengths, and likely winners.

Many thanks to Bisch Funeral Home, which assisted in cremation and coordinating matters involved in Mary’s interment. We are grateful to friends and loved ones: Larry Golden- reliably thoughtful, helpful, and kind brother-in-law; Kazuko - niece who visited her several times at Evergreen and Lewis Memorial; Cathy - who wrote her long letters and emails from Chicago, London, South Africa, etc.; Leo Akira- who wrote a loving note that made her smile; Robert - always generously ready to help in her many adventures and needs; James- steadfast as a family role model; Joseph - for providing family humor; much-loved Daniel - who cherished and admired his older sister, and Springfieldians Emily S. and Ginny B. who have been wonderfully kind during Mary’s final passage.