Yasuko Machida Hollinger, or Sue as she was primarily known as, was born in Nagoya Japan, September 16, 1927. Her mother was Kyo Machida, she had two brothers, Toshaki Machida and Seiya Machida and one sister, Showa-Ku. One of her brothers was a professor that spoke 5 languages, the other was a lawyer. Her sister was a homemaker and housewife.
Nagoya is a Port City in central Japan, a center for commerce and industry. In fact during World War II Sue was in high school and typical of most Japanese school children she attended classes for 4 hours a day and worked in a factory for 4 hours. Sue’s job was in a factory assembling carburetors for the Zero fighter planes.
After the war Sue went to American School in Japan. She met Jasper Hartley, an American contract engineer stationed in Japan. They were married in 1957 in Japan and then relocated to the United States. They lived in Ohio and Pennsylvania before moving to Florida. Sue became a citizen of the United States in 1962.
Sue did well in the US. She was an accomplished painter and Japanese flower arranger. She created many very nice portraits and landscapes. Sue and Jasper played bridge together and were also in a bowling league. In fact Sue rose to the level of Life Master in Bridge. That is quite an accomplishment! During this period Sue also worked part time as a translator, Japanese to English and vice versa. Sue was also a member of a Japanese dance group in Merritt Island.
Jasper and Sue had many happy years together with Jasper passing away in 1986. Sue continued her painting and bridge play after Jasper’s passing. Throughout this time Sue would typically play bridge every day of the week!
In 1997 Sue met Jack Hollinger at the Senior center in Titusville Florida. Naturally they met at the bridge table. Sue and Jack hit it off well. Their combined love of bridge and travel made both of them very happy.
Jack and Sue were married in 1998, they were both in their early 70’s. They enjoyed a jet-set lifestyle that included bridge, world travel and cruises. Ball room dancing was a favorite activity for Sue and Jack.
Jack passed away in 2019 and Sue was on her own again. She continued her bridge playing but began to taper off over the last few years. She loved her little dog Yuki who was her constant companion.
Sue was a very kind, intelligent and strong lady. She had a big heart and a beautiful smile. Sue always cared about her friends and family.
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