I tell you truth! Masako was a giving, strong woman. All who encountered her felt blessed. She was fearless. At the age of 25 she fell in love with a handsome Air Force man, Sergio Figueroa-Vasquez, who was stationed at Yokota Air Base near her home in Fussa, Japan. Their love overcame language, family and legal barriers. To be married, permission had to be granted from Senator Robert Kennedy. It takes guts to leave your home, but strength to leave your country, your family and traditions. I tell you truth! This is how fiercely Masako loved.
Masako’s passion for helping others succeed was evidenced daily. She was a cheerleader, a giver, mother to Sergio Inoue and Angel Luis Figueroa. While her kids grew, Masako was known as mom to not only Sergio and Angel, but as a second mom to most of their friends. She fed, cherished, and supported all. A role she continued to play as Oba (grandmother) to her five beautiful grandchildren – Sergio, Trey, Tiarah, Hannah and Bella – and as mother-in-law to Dawn and Meredith. To help support her family, she cleaned the homes of doctors and lawyers, each of whom became her friends. She crocheted hand towels and made sure the kitchens of those she admired always had fresh ones. She sat at the sidelines of numerous life events and encouraged others to, “Fight, Fight, Fight!”, for what they wished to achieve.
Masako, age 80, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend passed away Thursday morning, April 19, 2018. Much like most of her swift decisions, she got up from the sofa to go out and instead of going to lunch, decided it was time to go to heaven. Her new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, gardening and watching Japanese soap operas to her hearts content, a place where she will be welcomed by a reunion of friends and family. Her life on earth delivered no prejudice. She met all exactly where they were at. I tell you truth – all who were lucky to have known her, can’t wait to meet her again where she is at. We invite you to join us in honoring Masako. Visitation is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Blount & Curry Funeral Home, 605 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa Florida 33609 on Saturday, April 28th with service immediately following. Interment will be private.
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