As we've been expecting any moment since her stroke at the beginning of the year, Fumie's grandmother (Fumie's mother's mother) passed away Friday afternoon. She was born Kine Ueda on Amami Ooshima (an island in southern Japan) in 1924. She was 84.
The last time I talked with her was while looking at maps and satellite photos of Amami, prior to my first trip there during the new-year's holiday, as she talked about the place she left as a teenager and longed to return to. She last visited about 10 years ago, but a mild stroke soon after left further trips unlikely.
Children have a way of tying together the future and the past, even more so, of course, when the children in question are your children's children's children.
The next picture was taken Jan 1, 2006, just after three-year-old Anthony surprised her with a big hug and a kiss (something that Japanese kids rarely do now, and certainly would have never done in past generations). She was a bit flustered the first time, but soon became accustomed to it.
Her husband and siblings all passed before her. She is survived by Fumie's folks, Fumie, Fumie's brother Shogo, me, and Anthony.
The funeral is tomorrow.
Our thoughts to you and your family. It seems she lived a long and happy life.
Please accept my deepest condolences on you and your families loss.
My mother passed away a few weeks ago at the age of 87 so I keenly understand how much she will be missed by everyone.
Our heartfelt sympathies to your family for your loss.
Jeff and Fumie, so sorry to hear your grandmother died. She was a beautiful lady, as is your mother (er, Fumie’s mother, that is) Beauty runs in your family. So glad that she was able to see her great grandchildren. I feel sorry for Fumie’s Mom…I still miss my Mom terribly and it’s been 7 years.
My condolences on your family loses. I sometimes come to your weblogs to know more about nikons but today i offer my heartfelt sympathy. may your family braces strongly for the loses and hope all is well in the future.