Obituary for Kyoko Swisher
Kyoko Swisher (née Ejima), age 92, passed away May 3, 2022. was a long time resident of Ann Arbor, since 1964.
Kyoko was born January 2, 1930. Tokyo, Japan to parents Sueo and Shisoe Ejima of Sasebo, Japan. She graduated high school in Sasebo with plans to continue her studies ultimately hoping to become a professor in higher education. During World War II, Kyoko and her family were among the survivors during the bombings and attacks on Japan. She met her future husband, Reuben Swisher from Germfask, Michigan, while he was stationed in Sasebo, Japan during the Korean War in 1951. She corresponded with him for four years after he was sent back to the United States. In 1956, Reuben returned to Japan to reunite with his love. They were happily married at the American Consulate in Yokohama, Japan on June 13, 1956.
She was a homemaker, gourmet cook and baker, an avid gardener, and loved to entertain friends and family. Kyoko loved going out to see any and all movies. Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling with Reuben. Their travels took them to Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico and, of course, every one of the 50 States.
She devoted her life to taking care of her combat wounded husband. She was a Life Member of Washtenaw County Disabled American Veterans and a Life and Charter Member of the John Terhune Military Order of the Purple Heart Post #459. She was very active in the many annual fund raisers put on to aid veterans in her area. Kyoko was also an active member of Pittsfield Seniors. She was respected and admired by everyone who knew her for generosity and kindness. She will be sadly missed by all.
Kyoko is preceded in death by her mother, Shisoe; her father, Sueo Ejima; her sister, Taeko Ishizuka; her brother, Massaki Ejima. Kyoko is now, once again, reunited with her beloved husband Reuben, who passed away in June of 2020.
She is survived by her nieces, Naoko Fukumarito and Donna Romans; her grand-nieces, Moano and Rina Fukumorita and Abbey Romans; her nephews, Tokeshi and Tutomu Ejima; and her brother-in-law, Larry Swisher. She will especially be missed by Donna, Abbey, and special neighbor, Leann Moot, all of whom have helped take care of Kyoko since Reuben’s passing.
Cremation took place on May, 5, 2022. A memorial service will take place at Nie Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 am. Friends and family are welcome to begin gathering at 10:00 am. A burial of cremated remains will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
Kyoko was born January 2, 1930. Tokyo, Japan to parents Sueo and Shisoe Ejima of Sasebo, Japan. She graduated high school in Sasebo with plans to continue her studies ultimately hoping to become a professor in higher education. During World War II, Kyoko and her family were among the survivors during the bombings and attacks on Japan. She met her future husband, Reuben Swisher from Germfask, Michigan, while he was stationed in Sasebo, Japan during the Korean War in 1951. She corresponded with him for four years after he was sent back to the United States. In 1956, Reuben returned to Japan to reunite with his love. They were happily married at the American Consulate in Yokohama, Japan on June 13, 1956.
She was a homemaker, gourmet cook and baker, an avid gardener, and loved to entertain friends and family. Kyoko loved going out to see any and all movies. Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling with Reuben. Their travels took them to Europe, Asia, Canada, Mexico and, of course, every one of the 50 States.
She devoted her life to taking care of her combat wounded husband. She was a Life Member of Washtenaw County Disabled American Veterans and a Life and Charter Member of the John Terhune Military Order of the Purple Heart Post #459. She was very active in the many annual fund raisers put on to aid veterans in her area. Kyoko was also an active member of Pittsfield Seniors. She was respected and admired by everyone who knew her for generosity and kindness. She will be sadly missed by all.
Kyoko is preceded in death by her mother, Shisoe; her father, Sueo Ejima; her sister, Taeko Ishizuka; her brother, Massaki Ejima. Kyoko is now, once again, reunited with her beloved husband Reuben, who passed away in June of 2020.
She is survived by her nieces, Naoko Fukumarito and Donna Romans; her grand-nieces, Moano and Rina Fukumorita and Abbey Romans; her nephews, Tokeshi and Tutomu Ejima; and her brother-in-law, Larry Swisher. She will especially be missed by Donna, Abbey, and special neighbor, Leann Moot, all of whom have helped take care of Kyoko since Reuben’s passing.
Cremation took place on May, 5, 2022. A memorial service will take place at Nie Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 am. Friends and family are welcome to begin gathering at 10:00 am. A burial of cremated remains will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery in Ann Arbor. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.