Yoshiko Higashihama Shaffer

Yoshiko Higashihama Shaffer, 89, of Hampton, Virginia, left us peacefully, while at home, on November 21, 2024. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and sister, Yoshiko or “Yoshi,” will always be remembered for her kindness, her smile, her willingness to help others and her straightforwardness.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children: James (Trina) Shaffer, Paul Shaffer, and Raquel (Miles) Walker, granddaughter Malaysia and grandson Sachio; brother Yasuhiro Higashihama, sister Keiko Higashihama, niece Kathryn (Jim) Wilson, nephews Michael and Anthony Charnecki, and several great nieces and nephews.

Born on June 9, 1935, in Okinawa (Yonaguni), Japan, she persevered through all that came with growing up in the midst of the global World War II conflict. She learned many life lessons at a young age that she brought with her to the United States when she married her late husband, James P. Shaffer, in 1963.

Yoshiko had a hard exterior but was selfless to her core. She expressed her love for people through her smile, her encouragement, and most of all with food. Her family could never get enough of her gyoza, fried rice, and brownies. She fed everyone in her presence one way or another, either with a meal she prepared or a bag of groceries and goodies from her pantry. Leaving with an empty stomach or empty hands was never an option.

Yoshiko was a devoted homemaker and “mom” to many who knew and loved her. As a committed member of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) buddhist community since the late 1950’s, she was the first SGI member in Hampton, arriving in the early 1960’s. Throughout her practice she either participated in or supported SGI activities, encouraging many members along the way. She opened her home after the pandemic to host monthly discussion meetings up until her passing.

It was in her later years she experienced a special kind of fulfillment as she took extra special pride in her in role as “grandma.”

She will be remembered for all the heart she shared with her friends and family and the impact she had on many lives.

A visitation for Yoshiko will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. A memorial service will occur Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666. An inurnment to follow the service will occur Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, Virginia 23666.

All are welcome.