Fumiko Asano of French Camp was born June 21, 1925 in Isleton and died August 2, 2012. She lived in French Camp since 1930, except around WWII. She was preceded in death by her parents Kiyoshi and Chii Watanabe, and her brother Seiichi Watanabe (Sueko Gesdahl). Survived by Hidenori, her husband of 68 years; children Mineko Walterhouse (Douglas) of Cordova, TN, Toshio Richard (Susan White) of Sunnyvale, and HR Asano of Vallejo; siblings Carrie W. Hill (Frank) of Walnut Creek, Mary Toshiko Asahina (Saburo) of Livermore, Susan Teruko Ruterink (Cornelis) of Lafayette, and Takashi Watanabe (Sachiko) of Los Altos; grandchildren Lysa Walterhouse, Sarah Asano and Kyle Asano. She was a loving Auntie to Steven, Chris, Kristin and Cathryn Watanabe, Carol Hasegawa, Linda Hill, Michael Asahina and Karen Lee, as well as more in Japan, and an honorary Auntie to so many others.

Fumiko was a strong and clever woman. She lived a full life, helping family and friends, volunteering, working hard without complaint, and traveling when she could. She will be greatly missed.

Fumiko had been active in the French Camp JACL, French Camp Chamber of Commerce, Nisei Farmers' League, Stockton Buddhist Church Women's

Association, Tomo No Kai, French Camp Howakai, Stockton Buddhist Church ABA, Aichi Shinboku Kai and 4-H Club. Emperor Hirohito's brother, Prince Takamatsu, honored her family's long time involvement in the International Farmers' Training program. Visitation is on Saturday, August 11, 2012 from 10 am to 5 pm at the Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way at Beckman Road, Lodi.

Memorial service on

Sunday August 19 at 2 pm at the Stockton Buddhist Temple, 2820 Shimizu Drive. Committal at Park View Cemetery.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin

Wednesday, August 8, 2012