Kathy Kazue Eslinger

Kathy Kazue Eslinger, age 94 passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025. Kathy was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1931 and grew up in Karatsu, Japan. She married Gene Eslinger in 1956 in Japan. Kathy moved to America with her husband Gene where she became a patriotic American Citizen while being proud also of her Japanese heritage.

In her school age years, Kathy loved to swim in the Karatsu Bay, with her swim teammates. She learned the very special Japanese Tea Ceremony and also to play piano (Chopin was her favorite music pieces). Once she married and came to the USA she waited tables. She eventually taught herself to type and got a job at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Kathy had college experience learning to be a computer programmer and maintained a close relationship with fellow interns.

She retired in 1995 and moved to Rotonda West, where she and Gene bought their dream home. Kathy joined the GFWC Rotonda West Woman’s Club and remained an active member for 29 years. She volunteered and engaged in various club activities such as club photographer, Creative Crafters, and Sew N Sews. Kathy participated at an International Day activity by sharing her Japanese heritage, which included the Tea Ceremony along with her many beautiful Japanese Kimonos. Kathy was a member of the “Fun Bunch” which included a group of friends from the Woman’s Club who enjoyed going out to lunch each month. She also enjoyed playing bridge, playing her piano and making greeting cards. Kathy also had a group of Japanese lady friends whom she would get together with periodically for a most enjoyable meal. Overall, Kathy was very social and had a natural talent and patience for drawing, sewing, loving many dogs and most beautiful handwriting.

Kathy was preceded in death by beloved husband, Alford (Gene), her grandmother and her parents. She is survived by her three children: Gregory (Julie), Cheryl, and Karin (John), as well as granddaughter Megan, grandson, Jason (Mandy) and great grandchildren.

Kathy was loved and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Her strength and resilience will live on in those who were inspired by her determination. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathy’s name to GFWC Rotonda West Woman’s Club, Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 672, Placida, Fl. 33946-0672

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30pm on July 26, 2025, at Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home, 1935 S. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL.