Irene Ichiko Fujioka's Obituary
Irene Ichiko Fujioka In loving memory of Irene Ichiko Fujioka, who passed away peacefully on April 26th, surrounded by her family. She was born in 1923 in Otsu, Japan. Her family dates back to the Kato-Shizoku samurai. Irene graduated from college in 1942 as a teacher. Irene also enjoyed a career as a manager of special events for the Teito Hotel in Tokyo. After World War II, she met Tadashi while he was on military assignment in Japan. They married in 1951 and traveled the world as he served in the US Army. Tadashi retired from the Army in 1968 and they settled in Tacoma with their 4 children. Irene is survived by her cherished husband of 56 years, Tadashi, and daughters Doris McConnell, Kathy Kelly, Thelma Beck, Grace Rainey, sons-in-law Don Kelly, David Rainey, and grandchildren Elizabeth and Michael Kelly, Craig and Jaclyn Rainey, Angela and Scott McConnell, and Jordan Beck. The family mourns the loss of a beloved wife, dedicated mother, and adored grandma, "Ba-Ba" and will forever cherish her devotion to us. A memorial service will be held on May 12, 2008 at the Tacoma Buddhist Temple, 1717 Fawcett Ave., at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. or the American Cancer Society in her memory.
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