Mary Teshima's Obituary
Mary Y. Teshima, 88, October 22, 1926
Mary Yamanaka was born in Chico October 22, 1926 the first and what turned out to be only child of Yoshiko and Eitaro Yamanaka. Her father worked on the Union Pacific railroad. When she was three, the family moved to Alameda and became part of the burgeoning Japanese American community centered around the Buena Vista United Methodist Church. When WWII broke out they were relocated to Tule Lake and from there sent to the Topaz internment camp. Sadly, her dad passed while interned there. After the war, Mary attended Ohio Wesleyan College. She then transferred to UC Berkeley and completed training at UCSF earning a Bachelors in Nursing degree. Her roommate at UCSF, Dorothy Harada Oda, was to remain a close friend through their busy lives raising families and pursuing careers.
After graduation, Mary worked at Herrick Hospital in Berkeley. There she met Henry Teshima. The two were married in 1950. Donna and Glen were born at Herrick Hospital in 1952 and 1954, respectively. The growing family then moved into one of the original Eichler homes in Walnut Creek. Janet was born in 1956 followed by Todd in 1960. Tragically, a fifth child, Timothy, died shortly after birth in 1961.
Of great pride to Mary were the grandchildren, Donna’s children Sean, Ryan and Kelly and Glen’s children Michael and Daniel and recently born great-granddaughter, Jade Alexandra.
Mary has lived an amazing life and touched many people both family and community. Services will be held March 6th at 11AM at the Chapel of Chimes Oakland with a reception to follow.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
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Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
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