By Staff
Mary Yukiko Yamada, 88, of Brighton, died Nov. 28, 2008.
She was born Dec. 12, 1919, to Tomoichi and Nao Higuchi in Wattenberg. As a young child, Mary’s family moved to the San Pedro Valley of California where her parents farmed, and she grew up with four siblings. She graduated from Santa Monica Junior College. At the outset of World War II, she relocated to Colorado where she met her future husband, Katsumi Yamada, whom she married in Denver, Nov. 29, 1945. They were married 61 years and raised three children, living mainly in Henderson and Brighton.
They owned and operated a floral shop, Flowers by Fillis, for 30 years and were active in the Brighton community. She was a member of Henderson Community Church.
Survivors include her children, Tony (Jane) Yamada of Erie, Sandy (Bill) Lemke and Christine Harper of Brighton, seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Edith Yamanashi of Torrance, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Ruby Nikaido, and brothers, Henry Higuchi and James Higuchi.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 4, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1400 S. Skeel St., Brighton.
Contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association of Colorado. 455 Sherman St., Denver, 80203.
Tabor-Rice Funeral Home handled arrangements.
