Harue Kanetaka Daneker

Harue was born on 4/1/1925 in Amatsu, Chiba-ken, Japan. She was the youngest of nine children. Harue loved to play on the beach in her home town, a fishing village where her toys were baby octopuses and crabs, seashells, and flowers. Harue met her husband, Col. John L. Daneker, in Occupation Japan following World War II. She was a civilian security guard on the military base where he was commanding officer. They married and then moved to the United States in 1958. They settled in Tucson in 1962 and enjoyed all the Southwest has to offer. Harue was well known for raising desert tortoises in her backyard and for many years had baby tortoises born every fall. In the 1980’s, Harue worked at several Tucson establishments, including The Lodge on the Desert where she made many friends.

English was Harue’s second language. She spent days working on thoughtful handwritten letters to people she loved, carefully looking up words in her dictionaries. She was very proud to become a US citizen on 7/2/1998. By far, Harue’s proudest accomplishment was her granddaughter Melissa.

Harue was a most gracious and gentle person who had a special way of lifting others’ spirits and offering encouragement. She had a unique sense of humor, a priceless smile, and a boisterous laugh. She loved and was universally loved by children. She enjoyed the natural beauty of the world up to her death. She is best remembered for her unending gratitude and appreciation to others and to God.

In 2014, Harue moved to Longmont, CO. to be closer to her family so they could help care for her. She spent nearly three years at Cinnamon Park Assisted Living Center where she received loving care, made new friends, and led a comfortable and happy life. She returned to her beloved home Tucson on 10/16/17, three years to the day of her move, where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband.

Harue was preceded in death by her husband, Col. John L. Daneker. She is survived by daughter Jojo Field (Mike), granddaughter Melissa Wiley (Craig), and step-son Lee Daneker (Moira).

Graveside services will be held on Friday, Nov. 3 at 3:00 pm, East Lawn Cemetery, 5801 E. Grant Road, Tucson, AZ. Guests are invited to share a favorite memory of Harue during the service.

Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Palms Mortuary, Tucson, AZ.