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Hisako Suzuki Smith, 89

Hisako Suzuki Smith, 89, of Marshalltown, passed away on May 18th, 2020, at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook. Services for Hisako will be Wednesday, May 27th at 11:00 AM at Riverside Cemetery in Marshalltown. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in care of Mitchell Family Funeral Home. For further information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or phone #641-844-1234.

Hisako was born on September 21, 1931, in Yokohama, Japan. She was the third daughter of father Kyuhei and mother Fuku Suzuki. She was married to Leonard “Bud” William Smith on November 11, 1957 in Japan. They lived in Hawaii, and then state side during Bud’s career in the United States Marine Corp. Upon his retirement from USMC, they returned to Marshall County and resided in Laurel and Marshalltown. She achieved her United States citizenship in October 1993. As a war bride, Hisako demonstrated immense love and courage in leaving her homeland and becoming an American housewife. She spent her last few years as a resident at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook where she especially enjoyed time spent reading her novels printed in Japanese.

Hisako and Bud never had children of their own, but she was a beloved aunt to many and provided childcare for her special nephew Alan Erickson. She liked to brag that he was “her boy” and he, in turn, loved and cared for her as she aged. She was a treasured member of Bud’s family, teaching us her Japanese culture, cooking Japanese food for family gatherings and sharing her infectious laugh with all. Her needlework was exquisite and she taught these skills to many of us. All family members were gifted with lovely handmade treasures. She offered an extra hand for any project, helping with care for her mother–in-law in her last years. Her gentle spirit and loving touch taught us many of life’s lessons and as nephew Corey said, “she would call you out if you were misbehaving.” As adults we grew even more appreciative of her quiet presence, dry humor, steady influence, strength of character and unlimited love.

Hisako is survived by sister-in-law Tana Smith; nieces: Sue (Richard) Phillips, Marilyn Melick, Marleen (Terry) Burns, Denise (Jim) Merritt, Marcia (Roger) Brooks, Linda Smith, Kathy (Joseph) Mayo, Kari Smith (Steve) and nephews Dean (Judy) Propp, Norman (Melanie) Erickson, Tracy (Sue) Anderson, Greg (Analyn) Smith, Todd Smith (Joanne), Corey (Kimberly) Smith; many great nieces and nephews, and her lifelong friend Tsuya (Sue) Updegrove.

She was preceded in death by her husband Leonard “Bud” Smith; parents Fuku and Kyuhei Suzuki; mother-in-law Elisa “Alice” Smith; father-in-law James Smith, sisters-in-law: Blanche Propp, Dorothy Anderson, Claire Erickson, Georgine Smith; brothers-in-law: James Smith, Larry Smith, Lawrence Propp, Don Anderson; nephews Gary Propp and Alan Erickson.

We would like to thank the staff at Westbrook Acres for their loving care of Aunt Hisako and her family; and being at her bedside at the time of her death.

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