This memorial website was created in loving memory of Louise Shimizu.
Today marks the 3rd Anniversary of the passing of Louise. We just returned from Japan, where we had a small gathering with our Japanese Family to celebrate Louise’s life and to place her ashes in her final resting place, the Shimizu Grave/Plot located on a mountain top cemetery in Kamakura, overlooking the Pacific Ocean with views of Mt. Fuji.
It was the first time to gather with our Japanese family since Louise’s passing. It was wonderful to honor Louise and reunite. We were blessed by a beautiful sunny spring day with cherry blossoms in sight.
We have uploaded some photos of the occasion to share with you.
Our thoughts are filled with her on this day.
May you continue to rest in peace Louise, Mom, Baba, Weezy.
The Shimizu FamilyApril 27, 2023
—————————Today marks one year since the passing of our dear Louise. It has been both a long and short year since her passing. We mark this first Anniversary remembering Louise, Weezy, Aunt-Weezy, Mom, Baba.. as she was known, remembering her selfless warmth, kindness, and love for all those around her. She is so dearly missed.
We think of her everyday, but particularly today on her first Anniversary. We would like to thank everyone for all the wonderful tributes and photos added to this website over the last year. We like to think of this site as her living memory, and would love to hear any additional thoughts, memories or any photos you may wish to share on this occasion.
With much gratitude, sadness and love-
The Shimizu Family
April 27, 2021
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It is with deep sadness that we share the news that our dear Louise passed away on April 27, 2020, at her home in Bethesda, MD. As many of you know she had been battling cancer for the last 3 years, far surpassing the doctor's initial timeline of 6-9 months. She squarely faced her disease with admirable strength, courage, and determination, always complemented by her characteristic positivity and grace.
Through the loving support of many of you during this time, she was able to enjoy more gatherings with friends and family, many more walks with Masaharu, more bowls of tea, a few more kayak paddles, as well as countless hours over Skype with her sons Edowa, Thomas, and Ken, their partners, and of course, her beloved grandchildren.
She was an amazing friend, wife, mother and grandmother – always full of love, as expressed in her sincere efforts to connect with every person she came in contact with. Interactions that often blossomed into lifelong friendships. She truly enjoyed getting to know people and took a keen interest in everyone’s personal story – their upbringing, culture, and interests – and, most of all, found exceptional joy in connecting people with one another.
Louise’s modest nature often concealed the extensive range of her contributions to various projects and organizations. Yet the diverse strands of her work always had a common thread: they channeled her love for community, culture, languages, and motherhood, to create opportunities for connecting with and supporting others. As giving a person as she was, she was equally sustained on the many loving exchanges with all of you. Thank you so much for your love and friendship for Louise throughout her life.
She will be deeply missed.
A service will be held at a later date, once it is safe to gather again. We are saddened we cannot be together at this time, however, would be delighted if you could share a memory, a story, a poem, or even a few words or a photo in remembrance of her on this website.
With much love and fondness, and best wishes for you and your family during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
The Shimizu Family
April 27, 2020
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an organization Louise was passionately involved with for many years, the Aschiana Foundation.
http://www.aschiana-foundation.org/how-to-help/donate/