ForeverMissed
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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 Family

April 27, 2023

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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/
July 5, 2023
July 5, 2023
Hi Weezy,

Tis your third birthday here without you and I miss you. We've been to the lake several times to find that the new buyers are working to rebuild our house, but keeping the shell and the footprint in place. It feels nice that they didn't just mow it down. I remember many July 5th's there with you. I hope things are good where you are.

Love,
Billy
April 27, 2023
April 27, 2023
Three years ago that dear Louise has left us all. One does not often encounter in life a person like Louise with her calm demeanour and her consideration for others.
The other day I was remembering the tea ceremony Louise and Masaharu had invited me to in which they both performed. It was lovely and what dedication! That special afternoon stays with me forever. 
Best wishes to Masaharu and family.
April 27, 2023
April 27, 2023
Good morning, Weezy,

It's the third year now and I must say I had imagined I would be more accustomed than I actually am to you not being here. In a way it is a good thing that I am brought to memories of you - of us - as frequently as I am. It is nice to have that with you. I do hope you were right - and I want to know! - that you are with Mom and Dad now and probably playing pinocle. Will you please let me know? I love you.

Billy
July 5, 2022
July 5, 2022
Hi Weezy,

Well, this is the third year we are unable to share your birthday with you. I do so hope you are celebrating it with Mom and Dad!

I started this morning rereading the tributes and stories about you on this wonderful site. You made such deep connections with so many lovely people. And I know that many, many of us continue to miss you and continue to prosper because of what you gave to each of us.

I love you.

Billy
December 23, 2021
December 23, 2021
Dear Friends,
I am deeply saddened by Louise Picon's loss. As Masaharu and her children and brother Bill know, we have been friends since high school in Japan having graduated from the American School in Japan. She has been a dearest friend to me all my life like a sister. Louise and I kept meeting again many times despite the fact that we lived in different countries-me in Turkey and she in Japan and the United States. Louise visited me in Istanbul during the 1960s and we travelled to the Aegean coast in a memorable journey. We were together in Georgetown studyin Linguistics and Japanese program. I stayed in their home in Tokyo during my sabbatical enjoying the beautiful aura of her home and the neighborhood. We were able to see eachother again in D.C. during 2019 bringing back memories. I hope this message finds friends and family. My hearffelt condolences to Masaharu and everyone.

Best wishes,

Selcuk Esenbel
esenbel@boun.edu.tr
July 5, 2021
July 5, 2021
Along with Masaharu, Louise valued a poem called "Hokusai Says”, by Roger Keyes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-_6K56uz-k 
It is one that brings peace to all of us, regardless of our age.

Birthdays are such special days within families, bringing back so many happy memories. 
My heart goes out to dear Louise’s family today.

With love,
Joan
July 5, 2021
July 5, 2021
Well here we are on now the second of her birthdays that my wonderful sister is not here to celebrate with us. I know I speak for all of us in how deeply I miss my dear sister. She was quite a huge, huge, huge part of my life and my love of life. I miss her so very much. But rather than grieve, I wanted to drop this note of celebration. I celebrate my sister's life and all it and she meant to so many of us who surely are remembering her today. I watched the fireworks of Washington DC and New York last night - noting how exciting it was for everyone to be back in the world and connecting. She would have absolutely loved last night. Happy Birthday, Weezy. I am so glad you were born - before me!!!
April 28, 2021
April 28, 2021
Wow. Although in some ways this has been an incredibly long year, I can't believe that a year has already passed with Louise (Weezy), my younger sister, gone from our lives. But I also, on some level, have been grateful that she didn't have to experience the pandemic and/or the ugliness and hate of this past year. I am, and always have been, an introvert. Thus I didn't have very many friends growing up. But I always had Weezy, at least for the first 18 or so years of her life. We shared bedrooms and secrets and fears during those years. She was my closest (and often only) friend. After that we grew apart and did not keep that close connection until late in our lives. However, I feel that we did grow some of it back during her illness and I miss her terribly - way more than I expected to. I really enjoyed our phone calls over the last 3 or 4 years of her life I miss them. I am glad she is no longer suffering, but I do wish the phone would ring or I could give her a call. Miss you Weez. Love, Chiki
April 27, 2021
April 27, 2021
Dear Shimizu family
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.
Sweet Louise you will always be part of memorable moments we had together. Your strength and warmth, so present all the time. Thank you for these precious times we had together at WBFN. We will forever remember a Thanksgiving dinner with your family, the inspiring exchanges and so much fun. Thank you for your wonderful friendship.
Rosa Lia and Henri
April 27, 2021
April 27, 2021
Dear all,

On this first anniversary of her death, I wanted to say how lucky we all are - lucky that we surely all still feel the huge hole, the emptiness of my sister Weezy not being with us. Lucky because we are among those who were lucky enough to have her in our lives.

I’ve been up early, exchanging emails with my other sister - she was up early, too. Both of us so focused on Weezy - on this being the first anniversary. . We were lucky to have her all through our lives - me from my very first moments of my life. She, Ellen/Chiki, knowing of Weezy even before Weezy was born. We miss her terribly.

Our sister was truly extraordinary in so many wonderful ways. She loved us all.

My hope is that her dream came true - that she has reunited with our parents - and if she has, my guess is that she is seated with them right now - captured by a game of cards - all of them happily engaged and chatting (while my father quietly gloats over how his fierce competitiveness has him keeping score even during “go-fish”).

I miss her and hope anyone who reads this will take a moment to savor a favorite memory you have of her. She left us lucky ones with so many.
August 30, 2020
August 30, 2020
It was around 1990 that I had the opportunity to get to know Louise-san personally. At that time, I was already well aware of her valuable work that was instrumental in spreading a new concept of childbirth in Japan. We had the occasion to meet a few times through work. One day, Louise-san, Sakae Kikuchi, Ran Kawai and I decided to co-author a booklet to introduce birth in Japan for the midwives who gathered in Kobe, Japan, from all over the world to attend the international congress which was held later that year.

By then, I had known her for about three years. Not such a long time. However, I was deeply impressed by her extraordinary character.

Louise-san was always modest, genuine and kind. She had a calm and gentle air to her that hid a strong will that would not let her compromise in pursuit of her goals. No matter how demanding the task, she would tackle it wholeheartedly. Yet, after accomplishing the laborious work, there were times when she would not take any credit. She would gracefully let others take the credit when she saw it served a greater cause. I was surprised and would look into her eyes at such moments and Louise-san would return a mischievous smile back to me.

She was passionate about solving problems that needed to be addressed to help and support people. She would also encourage them to move forward. She had inexhaustible love for nature, life and people and that love seemed to be the driving force for whatever she did. She was extraordinarily empathetic, tolerant and generous. Those who were nurtured by her love would learn to do the same for others and that is the magic that she had.

I am saddened that I cannot see her again and will miss her very much. However, I know that she lives on in each of our hearts.

私がルイーズさんと親しくさせていただいたのは、1990年頃のことです。ICM国際助産師大会が神戸で開かれるにあたり、ルイーズさん、菊池 栄さん、河合 蘭さんと私の4人で、日本のお産事情を世界の助産師さんたちに知っていただこうと、冊子を手作り共著しました。それまでは、ラマーズ法を日本に紹介・普及するご活動を遠巻きに拝見する存在だったのが、一気にとても身近な存在になり、ルイーズさんの稀有なお人柄に触れる幸運に恵まれたのです。

短い期間ではありましたが、印象深いのは、ごく自然体で穏やかな佇まいを見せながら、タスクにおいては決して妥協しないこと。どんなタスクでも「ま、いいっか」と適当に済ませることはありません。また、多くの労を注ぎ込んだ挙句、あっさり手柄を人に譲ってしまう欲の無さというか、潔さにも驚かされました。そうした瞬間にルイーズさんの目を覗き込むと、私の視線を捉えて茶目っ気のある笑顔を返してくるのです。

必要だ、と感じると情熱的に問題解決に挑み、人の横に寄り添うだけでなく、後ろから背中を押す存在でもありました。そのエネルギー源である自然、生命、そして人への惜しみない愛は、ルイーズさんには無尽蔵にあるように感じられました。心の広さ、豊かさは卓越していたと思います。そうした愛に触れて、愛を受け取った私たちは、それをまた人につなげていく姿勢を自ずと学びました。

ルイーズさんと再開する機会がなく、寂しくても、私や多くの人々の心にルイーズさんは生き続けると思います。

ご冥福を心から祈ります。

2020年8月30日
戸田りつ子
August 24, 2020
August 24, 2020
Dear Shimizu Family,

Dear Louise, I never forget your beautiful gifts.
You gave the most important thoughtful caring mind, human kindness, and enjoyment of connecting other people.
Your smile, your voice, and your attitude gave us challenge spirits for many Japanese nurse-midwives. Your atmosphere is always soft and full of curious minds, I can recall your style even now.
I learned from a lot of things that natural birth is a valuable world and culture in Japan.

This photo showed pioneers nurse-midwives in 1993,
all we have been appreciated your teaching and suggestions.

Mrs. Louise's footsteps are never forgotten for us.
Thank you for a good opportunity to write this letter.

With deepest sympathy,

Shigeko HORIUCHI, Nurse-Midwife from Japan
August 19, 2020
August 19, 2020
In Japan, it is now "Obon", the time of the year when those who have passed away are said to return. Louise-san, writing words here is too sad, but because it is “Obon”, I feel I can send you these words and share them with everyone.

I first met Louise in the mid-1980s. I was in my twenties at the time, working as a freelance journalist who wanted to write many articles about childbirth.
Louise was active as a Childbirth Educator working with foreign pregnant women living in Japan. We met at a lecture hall in Tokyo and instantly realized that we were important partners in our activities.

At her house in Zoshigaya, we lost track of time as we talked about childbirth, family and the culture in Japan and the United States. Together, we translated a book and published many articles.
That traditional Japanese house, now a rarity in Japan, was renovated very well, and some Western furniture selected by Louise blended well with the traditional Japanese interior. Sakura (cherry blossoms) bloomed outside of the window in spring. In winter Louise invited my children to show them the Christmas decorations in her house.

Just before she left Japan in early 1990s, I interviewed her to write an article in " The Japanese Journal for Midwives". The article was titled "Wanting to be a bridge that connects Japan and the United States." Now I am writing a memorial in this same Journal, so that Japanese midwives can remember a great contributor to the world of childbirth in Japan .

In Japan, Louise-san was loved by everyone. She greatly influenced Japanese midwives and obstetricians. She introduced the Lamaze technique, the Birth Plan and Guided Imagery to Japanese professionals. Louise’s accomplishments were revolutionary but also respectful of the Japanese and never seen as an imposition.

Louise-san, Thank you so much. I treasure the time I got to spend with you. I hope to pass on the learning and love I received from you to other people.

Masaharu-san, I can't help thinking how deep your sorrow must be, but please always remember that many people share in feeling the same way.

ルイーズさん、日本では今、亡くなった人が帰ってくると言われる「お盆」の時期に入りました。ここに言葉を書くことは私にとって悲しすぎますが、今なら、ここに言葉を送らせていただける気がしました。

ルイーズさん、たくさんの素晴らしい時間をありがとう。家族が想い合うことの大切さと、そうする家族の幸せ、そのやり方を私はあなたから教えてもらいました。お産について、家族について、人と人とのあらゆる関係について、私がルイーズさんから教えてもらったものの大きさは計り知れません。でも今はただ、あなたと過ごした時間がどんなに温かく、幸せだったかを思い出しています。そして、もう一度、あなたの声を聴きたいと願うばかりです。

ご家族の悲しみはさぞかし深くていらっしゃることと思いますが、どうか、たくさんの者が同じ気持ちでいることをいつも思い出してくださればと思います。

August 14, 2020

Ran Kawai
河合 蘭

August 5, 2020
August 5, 2020
My heart still aches by the news of Louise san’s passing... I can still remember her beautiful smile and hear her soft kind voice calling my name, “Negishi san.” She spoke beautiful Japanese, so rare to find even among natives. So impressed that I asked her how she studied her Japanese. She said she learnt from Masaharu san and his mother.

Mr. & Mrs. Shimizu are our role model of being wonderful parents and grandparents, a “meant to be” couple, and great leaders and mentors of JBIC representative office in DC.  

When we went to DC in 1993 with my baby Ai in my tummy. Louise san kindly taught us Lamaze method, and we successfully delivered our first baby all naturally. JBIC Christmas gathering was very memorable.  I still have Louise san’s delicious recipes from that time, maybe your family can recreate if she didn’t have these in her recipe file. (Handwritten by Mrs. Yoshida)

Out of our expectations, Yasushi became a chief representative of JBIC in DC in 2007. I couldn’t believe that we were going to live in Armat Drive house. I felt very honored to succeed Mr. & Mrs. Shimizu after a decade. We wanted to inherit the wonderful tradition of year end party. It was probably less than a half of the size party but tried to made as warm as Mr. & Mrs. Shimizu’s. We were so happy to get responses such as “Oh, we continued singing the songs in the car on the way back home.” DC winter was cold and severe, but we felt warm in our hearts.

I’d like to share some pictures when Louise san visited us in our apartment in 1994 to see baby Ai.

If the time allows, we would like to visit to pay respects to Louise san. Sorry we are unable to do so now.

I would like to send my deepest condolences to you and your family.  
Louise san will be missed so much when I go back to Bethesda....

ルイーズさんのお優しい笑顔は永遠に私達の心の中で輝いています。

ご夫妻へ、感謝と敬愛を込めて。。。
涙が止まりません。やっとしたためることが出来ました。

最愛の奥様を亡くされて、まだまだ、お辛いと思います。清水さんのお心に平安があります様に、お祈り申し上げます。

根岸 博子
July 3, 2020
July 3, 2020
清水正治様、ご家族様

ルイーズさんが亡くなられたということが、未だに信じられません。
ルイーズさんを偲ぶ気持ちで、古いアルバムをくくり、4枚ほどアップさせていただきました。セピア色の2枚の写真はピクニックに行ったときのスナップ写真です。タイトルを付けたかったのですが、古すぎて場所すら思い出せません。江戸和くんが3歳頃の写真です。江戸和くんは、迷子になると、いつもパトカーに乗ってお巡りさんに送ってもらって喜んでいたとの、ルイーズさんのお話が、今も耳に残っています。
あとの2枚の写真は、正治くんが大学時代の箏曲研究会のメンバーで集まったときのものです。思えば、ルイーズさんと正治の馴れ初めはお箏であったかと思っています。いつも、正治の傍らに寄り添って笑みを浮かべておられます。3人の幼いギャングたちが、場にそれぞれ馴染んでいます。雑司が谷時代の3人の子育て真最中であったものですね。

ルイーズさんに最初にお会いしたのは、二人のご結婚前、渋谷のサンジェルマンという喫茶店でした。2月のとても寒い日でしたが、正治の紹介するルイーズさんに、私自身のつたない英語でしどろもどろになって、汗びっしょりだったのを今も鮮明に覚えています。それ以来、50年になるでしょうか。ルイーズさんの印象は、写真にあるように、いつもやさしく正治に寄り添い微笑んでいる笑顔が目に浮かびます。

正治くんの書いたルイーズさんの生涯を読ませていただいて、溢れるボランティア活動の数々に心を打たれました。このご縁で、妻(みよ子)は、一時、AMDAでポルトガル語の通訳をさせていただき、ドメスティックな一家が、グローバルなボランティアの片鱗をさせていただいたことに感謝しています。お会いするたびに、ボランティア活動の素晴らしさを熱意を持ってお話くださいました。

もう8年も前になりますが、私ども夫妻がワシントンを案内していただいたのが、最後になってしまいました。アーリントン墓地では、ご両親様が眠っておられることなどを淡々とお話になり、日本に来られた経緯などをしみじみとお聞きしました。

清水くんの自宅の冷蔵庫の扉には”Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there…”というプレートが貼ってあるそうですね。お互いにコロナで大変な時期に「正治くん、ルイーズさんとの再見を心に誓い、毎日を送っています。」とのメールを送ったのですが、とうとうそれが果たせず無念の思いです。でもそのstarは、これからも私達の心の中に静かに輝き続けることでしょう。

ルイーズさんのご冥福をこころよりお祈りいたします。

03/07/2020 三木 徹、みよ子
By Tohru Miki, Miyoko MIki

June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
Dearest Louise,

Looking at your pictures, I realize that your smile always reflected your natural and sincere kindness. Your abiding care for your family and friends will always remain a calm and cherished memory at peace in our hearts.
My first encounter with you in the World Bank offices in 2002, I still remember being caught by a surprise after you greeted me in the Family Group Office announcing that you were Mrs. Shimizu! I remember I had to ask you again what your name was to reassure me that I had not misheard somehow. You were the first person I met in the World Bank family group, and this happy encounter led me to meet a wonderful crowd of your friends from the group.
Masaharu-san and you invited us (still very new to DC then) for a Thanksgiving Dinner - beautiful, warm, and most memorable my first Thanksgiving Day in the US. You have also visited me and (I hope) enjoyed listening to my marimba music. 
There are so many happy memories I have with you and these memories all revisit me with your smiles. I miss you very much.
Warmest wishes to you,

Alex, Emi, Akira and Makoto

清水正治様 ご家族の皆様

ルイーズさんのご逝去のお知らせ大変悲しく拝受いたしました。
ワシントンDCという地に引っ越し、世界銀行のFamily Groupに入会しようと出向いた際、ルイーズさんと出会う機会が持てたことは、今となりましては天からの贈り物であったかのように思います。
日本の生活や文化にも精通していらっしゃるルイーズさんに、アメリカ生活(私にとりましては初めての海外生活)の最初の1ページで出会えたことは、その後11年の間、そして日本に戻りましてからも、ずっと私の大きな支えでした。
ルイーズさんは、真面目で優しくて、信念の強いお方だと思っておりました。ポジティブで、前に踏み出されるその一歩、そのご姿勢から、ルイーズさんの素敵さがよく伝わってきました。そうして献身的に社会貢献されている一方で、正治様や3人のご子息のお話となると本当に嬉しそうになさっていたのが印象的でした。私自身、2人の息子の母親になり、より一層ルイーズさんの素晴らしさを感じるようになっております。特に子どもが生まれてからは、なかなかお目にかかる機会がなく、メールやクリスマスカードの交換をさせていただくのみでしたのが残念ですが、ルイーズさんが私のアメリカでの出発点だったことは不変ですし、ルイーズさんの笑顔はいつまでも私の中で生き続けると思います。

ルイーズさんのご冥福を心よりお祈り申し上げます。

ウェルスティード絵美
June 28, 2020
June 28, 2020
My heartfelt sympathies to Masaharu and family on the loss of Louise. She was such a wonderful person. I first met her 1983, in Tokyo. I had just had my daughter Aya, and was having problems feeding her. Louise invited me to her childbirth support group, for a one-time session with her other pregnant mothers. I felt such kindness and caring from her and appreciated her non-judgmental view that every child is different and that parents just have to go with the flow until you can figure your own child out. Besides working at Nishimachi International School, Louise facilitated childbirth support groups for many years in Tokyo, and then co-wrote a book called Childbirth in Japan, Past Present Future which was published before an international midwife conference in 1990. Louise then joined Meredith Maruyama and I to co-write Japan Health Handbook in the mid-1990s, which was an adventure in itself. After Louise moved to Maryland with her family, she kept in touch with yearly Christmas letters, which were a very special for all her friends who were spread around the globe. Louise will be greatly missed but I think that her spirit of volunteerism, kindness, and fairness will live on in all of us that knew her. Sincerely, Nancy Tsurumaki
June 26, 2020
June 26, 2020
          ルイーズさんのご冥福を祈る 

清水正治君からメールが届いた。最愛のルイーズ夫人との別れの知らせだった。
私はルイーズ夫人のおだやかな笑顔を思い出している。

昨年7月、清水君が東京に一時帰国したときJBIC同期の仲間が新橋の「新橋亭」に集い食事をした。清水君はルイーズ夫人の病について、そして闘病について話してくれた。
その語り口は静かであったが強い意志があり、ルイーズさんへの深い愛情と敬意を我々は感じた。そして我々は話を聞きながら夫人の快復を祈った。
「新橋亭」の後清水君と二人で銀座まで歩いた。銀座は土曜日の“歩行者天国”でゆっくりと歩きながら多くを語りあった。彼と二人で銀座を歩くなど初めてのことで実に貴重な時間であった。途中立ち寄った鳩居堂は香木の香りがした。店の商品の和紙の張り子や扇子、七夕の飾りなど手にしながら、清水君はベセスダで留守をまもる夫人のことを案じていたと思う。私は夫人への土産として小物を買い、清水君は私の孫にと折り紙を買ってくれた。折り紙を手に私は、この折り紙はルイーズさんが選んでくれたように感じていた。美しい色で可愛い模様の子供が喜びそうな折り紙であった。
若い頃、清水君の家に家族で招かれルイーズさんのおいしい手料理を御馳走になった。そして何年前だったかある行事の後、清水君とルイーズ夫人そして小生と妻の知子の4人で荻窪の小さな店でお茶を飲んだことがある。夫人の笑顔とおだやかな話ぶりは全く変わることなく、今でも思い浮かべることが出来る。
優しさはルイーズさんの芯の強さであり、おだやかさはルイーズさんの心の豊かさであった。

清水正治君、君の悲しみを思うと言葉がありません。ただ心からの哀悼の意を表します。
庭の百合の花が今年も咲きました。凛とした百合です。その百合の前で、遠くルイーズさんの笑顔に感謝し、ご冥福を心からお祈りいたします。
                                                                 合掌

                         2020年6月芒種
                             倉田隆之
                               知子
June 23, 2020
June 23, 2020

清水正治・家族一同 様

清水ルイーズさんのご逝去を心からお悔やみ申し上げます。

ご家族の心のこもったお手紙を読むだけで、如何に清水ルイーズさんがみんなを愛し、愛されていたかがわかります。
また、清水ルイーズさんの、友人を含めた彼女を取り巻く社会への献身的な活動も、素晴らしい彼女の足跡です。

清水ルイーズさんの日本における功績の一つは、birth educator として言葉も文化も異なる日本でお産する異国の方の支援をされていたことです。その折に何度か、新生児周産期医療の専門家としてお手伝いしましたが、彼女の相手の気持ちを自分の気持ちのように感じ取る心 (empathy) は強く印象に残っています。
外国からの方以外にも、日本人の妊婦・産婦も何人も、清水ルイーズさんの心からのケアを受けています。

小生がステファニー福井さんと立ち上げた、日本SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) 家族の会にも、その最初の時期から、特に遺族のgrief care で、お世話になりました。幸い、家族の会は立派に独り立ちし、またみなさんの啓蒙活動などでSIDSは大幅に減少しています。そのことに関しても、清水ルイーズさんにお礼とご報告をしたいと思います。

最後になりましたが、残された清水家の皆様が、素晴らしい清水ルイーズさんの思い出を胸に、お元気で過ごされますことを心から念じています。

仁志田博司
By Dr. Hiroshi Nishida MD
June 14, 2020
June 14, 2020
Dear Shimizu-san,

I was very sad to hear that Louise-san passed away. When I remember the enjoyable time I spent with you and Louise-san at your residences of Armat Drive and Valerian Ct. on your kind invitation, she was always smiling. I am sure that I would be just one of an uncountable number of people who have felt happy by her smile. I pray from the bottom of my heart that her soul may rest in peace.

With deepest sympathy,

Toshiyuki Kosugi
June 13, 2020
June 13, 2020
This is such sad news. Louise’s unassuming nature masked the strong and accomplished woman she was. Whenever we think of Louise, the images that come to mind are of her devotion and service to others, caring for family and friends and an eagerness to learn where she could be most helpful. Her passing leaves a void in the fabric of many lives.

Anne and Yuki Imamura
June 12, 2020
June 12, 2020
Dear Shimizu Family,
I am heartbroken to hear of Louise's passing. I cannot imagine how painful it must be for you now. She was truly an amazing person and this must be an unfathomable loss.

Though I have not been in contact with Louise for many years, I can still remember her so vividly. Louise had a divine energy. Louise was was nothing short of visionary.

When I first moved to Japan with my Japanese husband and after losing a baby to stillbirth, I was lucky enough to meet Louise. She introduced me to Dr. Nishida who wanted to start a support group for bereaved SIDS families. As I had already started a group for foreigners, Louise was able to put the pieces together and introduce us. The SIDS Family Association was born and still works to support bereaved families to this day. The success of our group is directly thanks to Louise's vision!

I went on to have two boys and raise them in Japan. It was so nice to sometimes rely on Louise for calm advice!

She touched my life and the ones around me with her gentle and positive love.

Please know that I am thinking of you in your time of mourning.
Much love,
Stephanie Fukui
June 11, 2020
June 11, 2020
I met Louise when she took over from Joanne at the WBFN office. She was organized and went about her quiet way, always trying to help each of us, never giving up till she found solutions every time to, what seemed to us unsurmountable problems. She was a whiz at helping Caroline and I with last minute details which we had somehow overlooked in organizing the then MMMF fairs.
I treasure the times I spent with Louise from seeing her in Amsterdam with Maaike, having coffee, going for walks, lunches at the WB, to visiting her at NIH, all hearing her wonderful stories and sharing her joy for her dear family. 
Louise, you were a wonderful kind friend. My sincere condolences to Masaharu, their sons and families.
June 8, 2020
June 8, 2020
清水正治様

奥様ご他界のメールに接し、心からお悔やみ申し上げます。
長年の闘病生活は奥様としては大変苦しかったと拝察申し上げます。
しかし、清水さんやお子様たち、友人たちの励ましもあり心安らかに旅立たれたことと信じております。

ピコン先生の英語の授業のとき先生の質問に、私はいつも緊張して口をもぐもぐさせ、隣に座った松田さんは頭を抱えゆっくり答えていたのを覚えています。
ピコン先生は、我々のつたない英語を緊張して聞き取ろうとしておられました。
緊張すると眼鏡をはずすのが癖なのでしょうか。しかし、眼鏡をはずしたピコン先生はまだあどけないと感ずるほどで魅力的な若い女性でした。このウェブサイトに添付された写真は、当時の先生の風貌をよく今に伝えているように思います。

よき伴侶を失われた喪失感は計り知れないと拝察いたします。
私も妻をがんで亡くしました。妻が「腹が痛い」というので近所の病院に連れて行ったら、「肝臓がんで手の施しようがない。手遅れです」と”死刑宣告”を受けました。今は一人で生活しており、小さな家も広すぎると感じます。
息子娘、孫たちは、長野、京都、世田谷と遠くに住んでいます。めったに顔を見せません。

時々、近くの小学校でボランティアで算数を教えています。子供たちが「おじさ!、おじさん!」と言いながら小生の禿げ頭をたたいてくれます。
こんな生活は気楽ですが、むなしさを感じることもあります。

どうぞ健康に留意されお過ごしください。時にはワシントンの話もお伺いしたいですね。

06/04/2020 二村宮國
By Miyakuni Nimura
June 4, 2020
June 4, 2020
I first met Louise in 1975 at Nishimarchi International School in Tokyo where she used to start her classes by getting the children to sing, 'Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me'. Louise lived by this philosophy and bought joy, peace and love to so many. In 2000 we met up again in Washington DC, where she was President of the family support group for the World Bank. She was a helper and a friend to so many people. Rest in Peace dear Louise and thank you for being a friend to all. Jane Hyden
June 4, 2020
June 4, 2020
清水正治様 ご家族の皆様
ルイーズ様の悲報を拝受し言葉を失いました。
日本の茶道を学ぶ同志として知己を頂いてから数年しか経ていません。 これから更なる深い学びをご一緒に、と思っていた矢先でした。 ご本人の無念もさりながら、私も残念の一言に尽きる悲しみでした。
幸いに、最愛のご家族の皆様に見守られ安らかに旅立たれたとのこと、きっと優しい笑みを浮かべておられたでしょう。
心からのご冥福をお祈り申し上げます。 原ヤス子
June 4, 2020
I first met Louise in 1974 or 75 in Tokyo at a meeting of the Foreign Nurses Association in Japan, an organization of not only nurses but a variety of professionals who were all interested in health in one way or another. Louise was a childbirth educator. As a nurse, I was particularly interested In the National Health Care System . Another nurse, Nancy Tsurumaki, was interested in Pediatric and Developmental health. Eventually, we three moms decided to write a book, "Japan Health Handbook", the kind of book we wished we had had when we first moved to Japan.

What we thought would take just a few months turned into two years of research and writing. Louise was our cheerleader. At one point when we were preparing for the second edition of our book, Louise was in Washington, DC, Nancy was in Paraguay for her husband's work, and I was in Japan working as a part-time nurse at Nishimachi International School. Somehow we were able to use faxes, snail mail and the then unfamiliar E-mail to send our chapters back and forth for corrections. When it was time for the final corrections Louise came back to Japan and spent many days with our editor at Kodansha International Publisher's office making sure every "T" was crossed. That was the first time I saw Louise as the perfectionist she was. She wanted it done right.

On a personal note, I will never forget the time Louise telephoned me at my home in New Hampshire, after my hospital discharge following radical breast cancer surgery. After the serious discussion about my surgery we started telling stories which made both of us start laughing hilariously. I laughed so hard that I had to take pain medication after we disconnected. But she made me realize that I was scarred but still very much alive.

It was a joy to have Louise as a friend.
June 2, 2020
June 2, 2020
I had the privilege of working with Louise during her last two years as WBFN coordinator and I keep fond memories of our joint efforts to figure out how to steer the organization into the future. Smart and reliable, she was a dream of a colleague.
Dedicated with a keen sense of detail, Louise was always the first to arrive and the last to leave the office of WBFN. In her quiet and reserved way, she still managed to interact with all WBFN members, listening to their concerns and suggesting solutions. She oversaw the organization of so many events and so many gatherings, giving each task her undivided attention and making sure that every member felt valued and appreciated.
But what impressed me the most about Louise was the ease with which she had achieved a perfect symbiosis of American and Japanese values. She always strove to create harmony and consensus around her while at the same time showing resourcefulness and creativity.
Gentle, yet firm, Louise joined efficiency to her sense of compassion. In 2002, members of WBFN decided to organize a winter clothes drive to benefit the children of ASCHIANA, a local Afghan NGO. At the time I had joined my husband in Kabul and we were overjoyed to receive 64 big cardboard boxes full of sweaters, coats, mittens and scarves. When I was next in DC, Louise handed over to me a huge file in which she had meticulously documented every step of the operation!
A few years later Louise joined the Board of the Aschiana Foundation in DC as Treasurer and here again performed with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.
Louise’s gentle low-key demeanor belied her strong sense of ethics and her steadfast perseverance. We all witnessed how she faced her ordeal with cancer with courage and determination.
It is with a heavy heart that we mark her passing away. Louise will be missed, but not forgotten.
Rula Ghani
WBFN president-elect 2007-2008, president 2008-2009
The Aschiana Foundation Board Member 2004-2011
June 2, 2020
June 2, 2020
We met Louise and Ken through each of our two eldest sons who attended St. Mary's School in Tokyo. We sometimes met at their basketball games and at performances of their pop music band. A life-long friendship developed. In Louise's New Year Letter of 1999, she described a trip they had made from Tokyo to Shikoku. On that typed written letter, a copy of which I recently located, Louise described with passion the eyeopening experiences they had on the journey. She added 8 steady hand written lines, the text of which related to our sons. Louise was truly a person for whom culture and nationality had no boundaries. We decided in January 1999 that we would visit Tokyo in April of 1999. Our fondest memory of Louise is the dinner she and Ken shared with us on April 20th in Kayabacho, prior to my husband and I starting a similar trip from Tokyo to Shikoku, that Louise had untiringly helped us plan. Looking back at the email correspondence that was involved in getting us on that trip, we admire the dedication with which Louise helped us, and express our respect for the generosity she gave to whatever activity she engaged herself in. She will remain in our thoughts for a long time. Fondly, Elaine & Josef
May 30, 2020
May 30, 2020
We are so surprised and deeply saddened to hear about Louise san’s passing.
Louise san has been always kind and generous to offer priceless help and advice to us who were to work and live both in Japan and America. With her deep understanding the difference and similarity of two cultures, she helped us as well as other young staff a lot.
Louise san was always calm and with the tone and the way she spoke, we were well guided how we should think and react to the things we were not familiar with, as a superb adviser of cross-cultural communicator as well as very thoughtful mentor of life.

We will miss Louise san tremendously, more than words can express.
Our deepest condolences to Shimizu san and the family.
Thoughts and Prayers.....
May 28, 2020
May 28, 2020
As summer approaches it saddens my family to confront the fact that we will not be seeing Louise at Deep Creek Lake. Louise would call over and we arrange a kayaking time and her family and ours would go out onto the lake. I enjoyed her intellect and appreciation of the lake. If you ever kayaked with her you realized how fit and strong she was especially when you factored in her size. One summer we kayaked over to the state park and she did that effortlessly. Even after she became ill it was difficult to keep up with her.

My other cherished memories are dinners out at the Will O’ the Wisp or MoonShadow. These shared meals and conversations were so enjoyable. Louise’s insights were always so thoughtful and measured. She took genuine interest in my artwork and teaching. She and Masaharu had such a great partnership and were so supportive of one another.

Louise and Masaharu’s sons are gems. I knew Kenneth in his early teens to his early twenties and got to know Edowa and Kenneth better in the last few years. I was always struck by what smart, creative and kind sons she and Masaharu had raised. Louise always was so supportive of them and so enjoyed their visits to the lake. She looked forward to seeing the grandchildren and wanted to share the lake experience with everyone. She nurtured everyone’s potential.

I will miss her greatly as she was part of many summers. Our thoughts are with her entire family.
May 25, 2020
May 25, 2020
Louise and her family including Masaharu's mother were like relatives. I was as attached to her as to a sister. She was the kindest, most understanding, and graceful communicator in both English and Japanese that I have known. She brought out the best in others. I always loved being with her and learned from her on so many levels.
We met in 1972 in Tokyo when she wanted to learn about Lamaze childbirth and went on to become a teacher of it. Characteristic of her desire to learn and to be of service, she began researching healthcare in Japan and wrote a book in English that was of such value to the community that it went into a second edition.
Our families celebrated holidays and created other occasions together throughout the years they were in Japan, always reconnecting when they returned. We shared many friends and particularly treasured our times with some of them in a long-running book club that eventually specialized in reading books by women who lived in different cultures. Her contributions based on years of intercultural living enriched and deepened our discussions.
In recent years we met in NYC and Bethesda with whatever members of our families we could gather at those moments. Of course we will miss her, but I feel she and the peaceful atmosphere she created around her will always be a part of me.
Den and I send our deepest condolences to Masaharu and her extended family.
May 20, 2020
May 20, 2020
My deepest condolences go out to Louise's family, as well to her WBFN and MMMF 'family members'. She will be dearly missed. I remember Louise for her patience, her friendliness, her incredible patience and hard work, her love for the outdoors, the fun and laughter we had while kayaking, or were enjoying the Annual Picnics. She impressed me during her battle with cancer, and how she faced the last stages of her life. Even then she was able to enjoy small lights of joy like a photo of a flower or a child. I will never forget how she worked tireless with Masaharu to send messages of support to Japanese families during the triple disaster of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster. She has been an inspiration, may her remembrance continue to  inspire us in our life.
May 20, 2020
May 20, 2020
Once in a while we meet a special person ...

who exudes all the good qualities that we aspire to have and, for me, this was Louise Shimizu. She had a zen-like demeanor that was calming and comforting. She was thoughtful, caring, and tenacious when taking on a task.
These characteristics were evident when, in the beginning of a cold winter, a call was made to help clothe the street children of Kabul. Louise organized and secured the funding for the timely shipment of these donations, a most expensive endeavor.

Louise always bought identical sets of toys; she would send one set to her grandchildren in Australia and she kept the other at home. After the toys she sent had arrived, she would Skype and have virtual playtime with her grandchildren and the toys. I will forever remember Louise for those big smiles every time she told me of those precious moments she spent with her grandchildren.

I feel blessed and privileged to have met someone special like Louise. Gaiv and I extend our deepest condolences to Masaharu and the rest of the family.

Elizabeth Medina-Tata
May 19, 2020
May 19, 2020
My husband Robert & I first met Masaharu and Louise when they came to visit us in Madingley in the Spring of 2011, along with Tom and Camilla.

Over a special few days, I came to feel amazingly close to Louise --- perhaps because it was so easy to talk with someone who was such a sensitive listener and sharer of experiences and ideas. In addition to being fellow Americans, we each had a first child born in July 1972 (Edowa and Lara, both later to become Architects) and a second child in 1974 (Tom and Camilla), as well as having 2 granddaughters of similar ages (Isabel born in 2008, Renna 2009, Jessie 2010, and Sachi 2011). Then Camilla and Tom produced our lovely granddaughter (Rei 2012) and grandson (Kaiwa 2015).

Louise’s diagnosis occurred only a few months after Robert’s death, from a prolonged illness in December 2016. Louise continued to recall this, even during her own difficult days. In July 2019 she wrote. "Such are the ups and downs of illnesses. I remember the ups and downs you had with Robert and am sure you understand."

Louise’s thoughtfulness towards others was coupled with an inner strength, bolstered especially by her loving and caring family. Along with Masaharu, she valued a poem called "Hokusai Says" by Robert Keyes, which is meant to be listened to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-_6K56uz-k
May we reflect on this, and on what Louise has given and continues to give to each of us. 
May 19, 2020
May 19, 2020
I was so very sorry hear this news and saddened that Louise had lost her battle with cancer. Her courage in facing extensive surgery and treatment was not one she made easily. Her friends at the WBFN were all aware that she faced an uphill struggle to achieve recovery. She was also aware of the stress that her close friends and family would face on her behalf as she confronted treatment, and typically, she arranged for her niece to relay the progress of her treatment while she was in Hospital. Such a decision was an example of her concern for all of us, who wanted her desperately to succeed in her struggle against this disease. Louise was much loved by members of WBFN. Her quiet and welcoming manner gave reassurance to WBFN newcomers. She diligently attended to every detail during her time as WBFN office manager, and her kind and gentle demeanor embraced all of us.
May 18, 2020
May 18, 2020
I first met Louise when my husband and I used to schlep out to Ikebukuro for Lamaze classes in 1974. Then I got together with her when I visited Australia during her time there. When we were transferred to DC in 1986, Louise showed me around and was instrumental in helping me find a house. When we returned to Japan In 1991, I relied on her research to choose a school for my sons. She played a big role in my life. She was always cheerful, kind and patient, and I aspired to be like her, but fell short. She set a high bar. Even though we had not seen each other for some time, I shall miss her. My heart goes out to Masaharu, Edowa, Tom, Ken and their families. Her passing has left a hole in the fabric of life.
May 18, 2020
May 18, 2020
Dearest Louise, How you will be missed! But we have memories of you and these moments together live on.
We remember fondly a most wonderful Thanksgiving with your family, the vivacious discussions, the fun and warmth in the exchanges. I will forever treasure our last walk together last November. Your strength, courage, tenacity and sweet kindness was always present.
Thank you for being such a lovely person and dear friend.
Rosa Lia
May 18, 2020
May 18, 2020
My thoughts and deep condolences go out to Masaharu, Edwar, Thomas and Ken and your families.. I am so sad... no words to express. Our friendship goes back many years to about 1979 when we met in Tokyo. Memories of five boys going wild in yoyogi park or the time we lost three year old Ken on a train coming home from Yokohama. We had gone there to see a children’s play in English as Louise was always keen on multiple cultures. In the 80’s Jérémie, Gregory and I visited you in DC and I remember going to the 4th of July fireworks on the mall together. More recently I stayed with you. Many memories. Love
May 18, 2020
May 18, 2020
On behalf of Miller and Luchetti families here in Sydney, I know that we all have such lovely memories of Louise when the Shimizu family first moved to Sydney many years ago, and the fun times we all had back then when our children were little and just the right ages to play together. Ken wasn't born then but we were so lucky to see Louise and Masaharu when they came to visit Ken and family many years later, and it was just like 'old times.' We have kept in touch over the years, and I always looked forward to Louise and Masaharu's annual Christmas news letter.
  Masaharu, our condolences to you and all the family. We will be thinking of you and hope that we can keep in touch.
  Love, Judy
May 17, 2020
May 17, 2020
Louise and I worked together in the WBFN office during my time in the US from 2002-2006. I truly enjoyed spending time with Louise, learning so much about culture and the WBF network from her.
My deepest condolences to Masaharu and the family. Warmest regards from Kristina - WBFN president 2005-2006.
May 17, 2020
May 17, 2020
Hi, Louise; I will miss you dearly, but will not forget those days we had our great conversation. I will see you in heaven, so until then. Love Nora Kohri

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Recent Tributes
July 5, 2023
July 5, 2023
Hi Weezy,

Tis your third birthday here without you and I miss you. We've been to the lake several times to find that the new buyers are working to rebuild our house, but keeping the shell and the footprint in place. It feels nice that they didn't just mow it down. I remember many July 5th's there with you. I hope things are good where you are.

Love,
Billy
April 27, 2023
April 27, 2023
Three years ago that dear Louise has left us all. One does not often encounter in life a person like Louise with her calm demeanour and her consideration for others.
The other day I was remembering the tea ceremony Louise and Masaharu had invited me to in which they both performed. It was lovely and what dedication! That special afternoon stays with me forever. 
Best wishes to Masaharu and family.
Her Life

Louise Picon Shimizu (1947-2020)

May 29, 2020
Born July 5, 1947, in Arlington, VA, she was the daughter of the late Leon and Lucy Long Picon. As her parents were stationed in England and Japan, her childhood years were spent abroad with her two siblings, Ellen and Bill, their adventures becoming the source of much family lore. After studying Linguistics, Japanese, and Chinese at Georgetown University, she worked as lecturer of English in Japan and met Masaharu at IIST. The two bonded over the Koto, a Japanese harp instrument, which Masaharu enjoyed playing in his free time. Louise became interested in learning to play the Koto, and Masaharu interested in teaching Louise, but soon became more interested in each other. The two married in 1971 and spent 28 years in Tokyo, Washington DC and Sydney (Australia), before settling in North Bethesda, MD.

Louise’s modest nature often concealed the extensive range of her contributions to various projects and organizations. She took her love for community, culture, languages, and motherhood, and channeled them into opportunities to help and support others. While in Japan, she taught English at the newly established graduate business school (IIST), taught childbirth education to foreign residents in Tokyo, simultaneously contributed to introduce and promote in Japan natural childbirth methods including the Lamaze technique, translated and authored a number of books on childbirth in Japan, co-authored the Japan Health Handbook, a comprehensive guide for navigating the Japanese Health care system for residents from abroad, and helped operate and expand a multi-language medical call-in center for foreign residents in Japan (AMDA International Medical Information Center), all while mothering three rambunctious boys. 

After moving back to the Washington D.C. area, she started working as a coordinator for WBFN, where she worked in various capacities to help World Bank families in transition from their respective countries. Following her work at the Bank, she became involved with the Aschiana Foundation where she worked tirelessly to help educate and improve the well-being of vulnerable children in Afghanistan. Throughout, Japan was always close to her heart, and as a member of the Omotesenke Domonkai Washington DC, she enjoyed practicing and promoting Japanese Tea culture with Masaharu.

Louise’s greatest passion, however, was always family. During 50 years with Masaharu characterized by love and adventure, they raised three sons, Edowa, Thomas, and Ken. They discovered the great joy of grandparenting with the arrival of Renna, Sachi, Rei, and Kaiwa, as well as grandniece, Paloma, nurturing strong bonds with each of them. Unfazed by the distance to England, the Netherlands, and Australia, Louise travelled to visit them whenever she and Masaharu were able to, and in the meanwhile, pioneered digital grandparenting via Skype (and later WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, eBooks) engaging the children regularly with books, songs, puppet shows, and games — always with endless charm, and love.

As the product of an international upbringing, she had a deep appreciation for the need of community beyond borders, and was dedicated to bridging cultures through her work and friendships. She raised her children with a strong cross-cultural foundation, naturally fostering a global family rooted across three continents and Japan.


Louise Picon Shimizu (1947-2020)

May 21, 2020
1947年7月5日、米国バージニア州アーリントン市で、故レオン/ルーシー・ピコン夫妻の間に生まれる。父のイギリスおよび日本での米国大使館勤務に伴い、姉エレン、弟ビルと共に外国生活を経験しながら育った。その三姉弟の幼少期における二つの国での無邪気な冒険談は、今日でも子の代、孫の代まで語り継がれている。米ジョージタウン大学で日本語・中国語・言語学専攻。卒業後は、日本で英語講師となり、貿易研修センターで正治と出会う。正治が寸暇に爪弾いた箏の調べに惹かれ正治より箏を習い始め、やがてお互いの絆を深めていった。1971年に結婚した後、東京、シドニー、ワシントンDC地域で3人の息子を育てながら暮らした後、1999年には友人・親族の多いワシントン DC郊外、北ベセズダ市に定住した。

ルイーズ自身の謙虚さのためか、自らの広範な活動や様々な団体への貢献はあまり人目につかないことが多かった。コミュニティー、文化、言語及び母性への熱意を基に多様な仕事に関わり、積極的な活動を通して人々を繋ぎ、また支援した。日本在住時は、新設されたビジネススクール大学院のIIST (貿易研修センター)で英語を教え、次いで、東京圏の外国人夫妻を主な対象に出産教育を主宰・指導し、同時にラマーズ法等の自然分娩法の日本への導入および普及に尽力した。また、出産に関するいくつもの本や記事を翻訳・執筆し、それらの経験を踏まえ、日本の医療制度を外国人に体系的に案内するJapan Health Hand Bookを共著で出版した。さらに、増える在日外国人の医療ニーズに多言語(それぞれの母国語)で支援するAMDA国際医療情報センターの運営および拡大への支援をボランティアとして行った。この時期のこれらの活動は、三人の腕白息子を育てる傍らやりこなした。

ワシントン地域に戻ってからは、WBFN(世界銀行職員の家族支援団体)のボランティアとして熱心に活動の後、世銀職員である事務局長になり、ボランティアと一体になって、母国を離れて赴任する職員に同伴する家族の、様々な(特に移行期の)ニーズへの支援に一層傾注した。定年退職後は、アフガニスタンの恵まれない子供たちの教育および福祉活動の実践を支援するアシアナ財団の運営・活動の向上に熱心に取り組んだ。ワシントン地域に定住した後も、幼少より過ごした日本は心の故郷であり続け、このところ10年近くはワシントン地区で表千家同門会の会員として正治と共に茶の湯を習い、茶の湯文化を地元の人々に紹介することも楽しんできた。

活動と熱意に満ちた人生だったが、その中でも家族に対するルイーズの情熱はやはり格別なものであった。深く敬愛した三人の息子たち(江戸和、友益、健)が巣離れすると、やがて孫にも恵まれ「ババ」の愛称で親しまれながら、孫たち各々の成長を見守り頻繁に接する喜びは、大きな生き甲斐になった。蓮奈、咲地、麗、解和の4人の孫たち、および近所に住む姪の娘パロマにも輪を広げ、一人一人との強い親愛の情を育んできた。イギリス、オランダ、オーストラリアへの距離をものともせず正治と共に孫訪問の旅を重ね、孫たちとの肌の触れ合いでその絆を実感した。旅のできない期間にはSkype、そしてやがて活用できるようになったWhatsApp、 FaceTime、Zoom、eBooksなどのアプリを使い分け、”digital grandparenting”(「デジタル祖父母」)のパイオニアとなった。終始尽きることのない愛情を注ぎ、週に何回でも機会のある度にインターネットを介して本を読み聞かせ、歌を唄い、人形劇をして見せ、ゲームにも興じ、孫たちを魅了し続けた。

幼少より国際的環境で育ったためか、生涯を通じて在住した各地で国際コミュニティに自然に身を置き、仕事でも友人関係でも文化の架け橋となる活動に情熱を注いだ。その異文化を跨ぎ繋ぐ精神は子育てにも及び、日本に発し3大陸に根を広げるグローバルな家族を育むことになった。


Recent stories
July 5, 2023
Last night as I watched the 4th of July fireworks in DC on TV I immediately thought of Louise and the time I was visiting you with Jérémie and Gregory and we all went to the mall to watch the fireworks live!!! Do you remember? It was such a happy memory for me and such an adventure to return home by public transport… I miss Louise so much. I’m so happy for you Masaharu that you had a very special family reunion in Japan all together.

Homecoming 

April 28, 2023
Today marks the third anniversary of Louise’s passing.
This time I would like to report to visitors of this memory website that we were finally able to plan and hold the simple yet cordial ceremony of funeral/burial at the gravesite in Kamakura Zaimokuza cemetery with the participation of the whole Shimizu family and close relatives in Japan. For this purpose my three sons and their family arrived from their each place, USA, UK and Australia at the beginning of April. The ceremony was followed by a luncheon gathering of all the participants at the nearby Japanese restaurant remembering and celebrating the life of Louise.

On this occasion we compiled most heartfelt tribute/stories we have received up to now from close friends and relatives, including those uploaded in this website, into a small booklet (although it is still a makeshift version). So that my sons and their families (including grandchildren) can expand the knowledge about her life and keep the memory of Louise/Mom/Baba/ Weezy alive by glancing the booklet as they need/want. This booklet was made in time thanks to the great help of Ken covering the most laborious work from collecting the tributes/stories, editing, translating so on to placing the order to printers. We handed a copy at the luncheon gathering to the participants to share what other people contributed. 

Another highlight was stay in my old Japanese house in Tokyo. My three sons' nostalgia to this house and excitement and curiosity of the rest of the family help all of them feel at home once they started staying there. We somehow managed the livability of this old worn-out house by a teamwork to further clean their allocated bedroom to the extent they want and by rental chairs and bedding materials, etc.

We took the full advantage of three generational four families stay under one roof to enjoy interactions among themselves in person and often breakfast and dinner together. Four grandchildren had even slumber parties in one of the common Japanese tatami rooms for a few nights.

In addition, each family had some time to enjoy short sightseeing/shopping/eating experience in and around Tokyo. The places we spent time, often together, include convenience stores in Zoshigaya, Manga/animation mecca in Ikebukuro, Wakamiya-Oji and Komachi Dori in Kamakura (an old Capital of Japan), my brother’s house and the beach in Zushi , Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Meiji Jingu Shrine/Harajuku area and Depachika (Inhouse food halls on the basement floor of major department stores, known for comprehensive array of immaculately packaged food, ready to eat dishes and picture perfect bentos as well as separate array of gorgeous sweets and confectionery).

After Ken's family left Japan several days earlier than the rest, Thomas, Rei and Kai managed to go to Hakone (two hours away from Tokyo to the direction of Mt. Fuji) with a help of an arrangement by Ryohei, a cousin of Thomas. The main purpose of this trip is to experience hot spring which is their one of the top priorities and some outdoor sightseeing activities in that area. Of course, I happily accompanied them. 

Edowa and Sadie went to Sapporo in Hokkaido to see their friend there and explore the feel of the most northern island of Japan in an overnight trip.

Toward the end of their stay they, particularly grandchildren, seem to have difficulty in leaving Tokyo house and Japan as a whole. They expressed their hope to come back to Japan in different season.

As for me, it was overwhelmingly joyous family get together in my lifetime. I appreciated every single day for being able to do things together particularly with grandchildren in person.

I sensed that Louise has guided the whole family together to have Homecoming on her special occasion in Japan.

Thank you, Louise/Mom/ Baba/Weezy.

April 27, 2023 
April 27, 2023
Meinichi (命日), the anniversary of one's passing, holds special value in Japanese culture. Rei, Kai, and Thomas have been marking this day each year by planting new flowers in our garden in Cambridge, England. We have been delighted that the perennial 'heart flowers' (also known as 'bleeding heart' or Lamprocapnos spectabilis) we planted on Louise's first meinichi in 2021 have been coming back every year, just in time for 27 Apr. We have just posted in the Gallery photos of Rei and Kai with these flowers from April 2021, 2022, and 2023. We hope these lovely flowers will continue to flourish in our garden, and to keep posting new photos in years to come.

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