Erma Umeko Aoki

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Erma Aoki, who left us on March 16, 2026, at the age of 92. Erma was born in 1934, one of nine children, of farmers Waichi and Ayano Takeuchi. Erma spent part of her childhood in an incarceration camp at Tule Lake and Jerome during the Japanese American internment of World War II. Despite the hardships, she spent her formative years working alongside her family in the fields, developing a strong work ethic that would define her life. After graduating from high school, she briefly attended community college before marrying Mitsuyoshi Aoki. Together, they built a home and raised five children. Erma was the devoted foundation of our family—a nurturing, kind, patient, and caring mother who lived by the Japanese American principle of kodomo no tame ni (for the sake of the children). Despite her own challenges and unfulfilled personal aspirations, she sacrificed tirelessly to create better opportunities for us. Her endless work and quiet wisdom helped each of her children succeed, and her love extended warmly to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She remained a mother to all, offering guidance, comfort, and unwavering support. Her legacy of resilience, kindness, and selfless love will live on through us. We are profoundly grateful to have had her as our mother; she set the highest standard for parenting through her quiet resolve and "once-a-mom, always-a-mom" spirit—qualities we will strive to embody. Erma is survived by her children Judith (Arthur), Jeffrey, Janet (Wil), Jill (Scott), Jon (Diana), ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren (plus one on the way), and her loving dog, Maximus. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mitsuyoshi, and one grandchild. A private service will be held to honor her life. In place of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations, if desired, be made to the National Scleroderma Foundation and/or the ASPCA.

Visitation will be held at Lisle Funeral Home on April 4, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.