Katsuko Fujikado Lee

Katsuko Fujikado Lee passed away peacefully on January 28, 2019 at home with her beloved husband by her side in Alexandria, VA. She was born in Seattle on June 21, 1923 and attended school at the University of Washington. Katsuko loved flowers and assisted her mother, Matsu Fujikado in establishment of the Ohara School of Japanese Flower Arrangement in Northern Virginia. She accompanied her mother Matsu to Japan when her mother received the distinguished honor of being decorated by the Emperor of Japan in the 1960’s. Katsuko continued after her mother’s passing to remain active in the Ohara School and taught flower arrangement lessons to those locally but also in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio where she was instrumental in expansion of the school and instructors nationwide. Most notably, she enjoyed decorating for the Ambassador at the Japanese Embassy in Washington, DC for their special events that graced the embassy with lovely ornate arrangements. Nothing gave Katsuko more joy than watching her grandsons, Forrest and Gen, grow from birth to adulthood. Visits although fewer, she looked forward every Thanksgiving and Christmas to seeing them that brought her so much joy. Her love for both grandsons flowed abundantly seen through her tears of joy when they visited and sorrow when having to return to the West Coast. Katsuko is survived by her loving husband and soul mate, William, her daughter Nena, her brother Lane Fujikado and two grandsons, Forrest William Kobayashi and Gen Michael Kobayashi. Also survived by her sister-in-laws Toshi Fujikado, Claudia Fujikado, and Sue Fujikado, as well as nieces and nephews Patti Emery, Betti Fujikado, Julie Ikeda, Joan Akpan, Nancy Schneider, Lane Fujikado Jr. and Nancy (Matsu) Fujikado. She was preceded in death by her mother Matsu Fujikado, and brothers Kei Fujikado and Yutaka Fujikado. The family is especially appreciative to all the loving caregivers who provided utmost love and care to Katsuko at the Lee residence for over 4 years. Thank you to Capitol Caring Hospice organization, Dr. Joel Temme and Dr. Stephen Rex, as well as Jamie Jubin (LPN) for being such a pillar of help to the Lee family. Services will be arranged and held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions may be made to the Lee’s church, Heritage Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Virginia, 8503 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, VA 22308.

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Katsuko Fujikado Lee

June 21, 1923 - January 28, 2019