Fusako Joan Aochi's Obituary
Born in Seattle, WA, educated in Japan, and a long-term resident of Oakland, Joan was a professional artist specializing in oil painting and pastel.
Joan had a particularly full life. After growing up in Japan during WWII and attending Kobe College, Joan returned to the US when she was 19 to go to UC Berkeley, which unfortunately had quoted resident tuition fees. She worked as a nanny for a couple of years and then joined the Army. She served in Tokyo as a translator during the Korean War. Upon her discharge, she returned to the US, where she got a job first with Japan Airlines when it began service in San Francisco, and later with PG&E. Joan and her husband Hiroji were proud owners of Hiro’s Auto Service in Berkeley.
She is survived by her daughter Lorraine and granddaughter Justine, and was predeceased by her beloved husband, Hiroji.
Joan did not want a funeral or memorial service. Instead she would rather be remembered working with her paints, canvases, French easel, and pastels; or cheering the A's; or watching the NHK highlights of the latest Sumo tournaments.
We miss you, Mom. You are not gone — you are just ahead.
What’s your fondest memory of Fusako?
What’s a lesson you learned from Fusako?
Share a story where Fusako's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Fusako you’ll never forget.
How did Fusako make you smile?