Yoko Yehudith Birnbaum

Obituary Yoko Yehudith Birnbaum, born in Tokyo, Japan on December 1st, 1932, passed away on August 26th, 2006. She was born to a family with six sisters and two brothers. As a young woman she married Moe Birnbaum, then an American Serviceman stationed in Japan and together they moved to the United States. Although she didn't speak any English at the time, she made up for it with her tenacity and zest for life. Living the life typical of the spouse of an active duty serviceman, she lived in many parts of the country. First Arizona, then New York where her oldest daughter Barbara (Bloemer) was born, then to Texas where her first son David Birnbaum was born, and then to California where her youngest, Adam Birnbaum was born. The family finally settled in Tacoma, Washington in 1969 where she remained. Always looking for challenges, Yoko finished her formal schooling here in Tacoma, first obtaining a High School diploma and then her A.A. degree at Tacoma Community College. She also continued her formal studies in many of the Japanese Arts, including the Tea Ceremony, Calligraphy, and received instructor status in Ikebana (Flower Arranging). Yoko was a loving, caring, and selfless person. She was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, whether family or a stranger, and received awards for her volunteer work in helping others. She loved being around people, bringing a playful presence to any situation, and always ready with some light hearted humor. Along with her three children, she is survived by five grandchildren, all of whom will miss her style, attitude, and humor. Graveside Services will be held Wednesday, August 30th, at 3:00 pm at Home of Peace Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Fife Community Center - payable to "City of Fife" and mail it to: Fife Community Center "Attention Julia White", 2111 54th Avenue East, Fife Wa, 98424.