Sekiko Yoneda Ebira

Parents: Tsurutaro Yoneda, father, Iku Natsui, mother. Homemaker, wife and mother. Preceeded in death by her husband, George S Ebira, sisters, Kazuko Kimura and Wabo Oyama. Survived by daughters, Susan Otani (Tim) and Naomi O’Leary (Martin) and grandchildren Konrad and Kennedy Otani; brother, Minoru Yoneda (Miiko) Japan, and sister, Akiko Osawa, Japan.

A private memorial for family will be held. Remembrances can be made to Nikkei Concerns, 1601 East Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122. Arrangements entrusted to Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, WA.

Sekiko and her siblings were raised by their father, a barber in Japan. Her mother passed away when she was seven. Growing up was a challenge during the war so her education ended at eighth grade. She has an older brother Minoru and older sister Akiko. Sekiko was preceded in death by her two other sisters Kazuko and Wabo.

Invited to Seattle by older sister Kazuko in 1960, Sekiko met and married George S Ebira in July 1961. Sekiko helped at a friend’s oden stand during the 1962 Seattle World Fair. They had daughter, Susan in 1963 and daughter, Naomi in 1968. Sekiko loved to read Japanese books and literature. She enjoyed cooking, entertaining and eating delicious foods. She watched Japanese and Korean movies, but most of all enjoyed socializing with friends and family. After her husband died suddenly in July 1980, Sekiko’s health problems began. She kept bouncing back with the help of family and friends over the next thirty years.

Some of the fondest memories that her daughters have of their mother:

--Sekiko was an amazing survivor; as a widow, she raised two daughters in a country where she did not speak the language, did not drive nor ever held a job.

--She nurtured both daughters fairly and provided the means to allow both to live happy and successful lives.

--They are grateful their mother stayed sharp and quick-witted to the end of her life.

--She made friends of all ages everywhere she went. She loved sharing with those around her, especially cooking and serving them delicious foods.

--She was talented in various hobbies including sewing, knitting/crocheting, doll making and completing jigsaw puzzles. Sekiko was a skilled card player and always enjoyed a good game of poker.

--She especially valued her time playing with her grandchildren Konrad and Kennedy.

The daughters would like to thank all of her family and friends who have provided love and support throughout the years.