Born on May 13, 1934, in Urakawa, Japan, Shizuko was the beloved matriarch and glue of her family, a source of unwavering love, wisdom, and strength.
Bachan’s Japanese heritage shaped her grace and resilience, qualities she carried with her when she arrived in the United States in 1960. As the heart of her family, she fostered deep, unspoken connections with everyone around her, serving as a rock and guiding light. Her nurturing spirit and quiet strength held her family together through every joy and challenge, leaving a legacy of unity and love.
She is predeceased by her parents, Kotaro and Kimi (Ueda) Kobayashi.
She is survived by her children, Debbie, Sherry (husband John), Clyde “Bo”, and Richard (wife Gwen); her grandchildren, Eddie (wife Melissa), Joey, Gail, Jessica, Kimi (husband Mason), John, Shanna (husband Sean), Tamala, Nikki (husband Cade), Dani (husband Jason), Stephanie, and Natalie; and her eight, cherished great-grandchildren.
Bachan’s warmth and kindness touched countless lives, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all who were fortunate to know her.
