Tomiko Y Schmoe

Tomiko Yamazaki Schmoe, aged 95, passed away peacefully March 10, 2025. Tomiko was born in Japan in 1929, and lived there until 1970, when she married Floyd Schmoe. Previously, they had met building Houses for Hiroshima. They lived in Kirkland, Washington. In the early 2000's, when widowed, Tomiko moved to downtown Seattle to be closer to friends and the city. Tomiko spoke English and French as well as her native Japanese. Her language skills, as well as other managerial skills, made her an exceptional hire for the Shunju Kai, the Japanese Business Association of Seattle where she worked for many years.

Tomiko had a warm heart, endearing herself to Floyd’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a knack for remembering details about friends and family; she treasured us and she always let us know she did. We, in turn, were drawn to her caring personality and enjoyed her company very much. Tomiko’s greatest loves were cats and Kabuki (Japanese theater), and probably in that order. When she’d travel back to Japan, she would worry about her cats, but also look forward to seeing Kabuki. Until her illness, Tomiko led an independent and active life. She touched many lives in such a positive way. We will all miss her very much.