Yasuko Yoshida Chown

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Celebrating the life of
Yasuko Yoshida ChownApril 12, 2013 - April 12, 2013

Yasuko Yoshida Chown, born in Tokyo, Japan October 4, 1927, at age 19 Yasuko surprised her upper-class, very traditional family, by taking a position as a housekeeper for an American family at the U.S. Embassy. She found her career and was much in demand by families serving at the embassy in Tokyo. During those years she learned to speak English, to cook like a gourmet chef, and helped to raise over thirty children.

In 1965 she chose to become liaison for the Chown family and the Nation of Japan. She became not only the housekeeper/cook, she was interpreter, instructor of Japanese manners, history and traditions and generally part of the family.

In 1971 Donn Chown divorced was assigned to Washington, DC. He brought Yasuko to the United States and they lived in Arlington, VA. Donn and Yasuko married in 1974 and moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland after he retired from the United States Information Agency.

In 2001 they moved to Habersham House, in Savannah, Georgia. Yasuko suffered a massive stroke that left her paralyzed on the right side of her body. Donn died in 2002 of cancer, but Yasuko continued on at Habersham House for another eleven years. She was the longest resident there and she loved the staff, as she knew they loved her. One of her greatest pleasers was to carry a water gun in her wheelchair and torment the staff and other residents. Soon the staff was armed and Friday squirt gun fights became a regular event.
Everyone who ever came into contact with her has a story to tell of this wonderful, playful, humorous woman who died at Memorial Hospital April 9, 2013.

She loved being surrounded by her 'adopted/step' family and she is survived by her son, Donn M. Chown, II of Beaufort, SC, and two daughters, Toni Chown-Olds, of Savannah, GA and Lynn Marie Stratton, of Beaufort, SC. Also five grandchildren, CDR Jeffrey J. Chown, USN, Maj Christopher Chown, USMC, A. Paul Stratton, III, Stacy L. Stratton, and SPC Matthew S. Stratton, USA, and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, May 7th at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church.

Remembrances may be made to Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, Pastor's fund or building fund.

Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel

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GUEST BOOK

Toni & Family, Our heartfelt condolences to you and all who enjoyed the love and joy of Yasuko. It's never easy to say goodbye, but fortunately thanks to our faith in Jesus we only have to say, 'until we meet again.' Be blessed and enjoy the fond memories and stories. Love, Steve, Nancy, Savannah & Sarah

- Steve & Nancy Olds, VERO BEACH, FL

She was only five feet tall, but was tougher than any drill sergeant when it came to running the household or taking care of her adopted family. She had two of her grandsons speaking Japanese quite proficiently by the time each was 4 years old. We all miss you terribly, Kako! WE LOVE YOU!

- Donn Chown, Beaufort, SC

Ms. Chown's smile and goofy, headstrong, sweetness is sorely missed already. I learned so much from her and am grateful that she was a part of my life.

- Leslie Adair, Savannah, GA

Mrs. Chown was a wonderful woman whom my father and I deeply loved. He lived at Habersham House down the hall from her. He passed away Feb 6th and she spent time with me mourning his loss. I will miss her deeply. Rest in peace dear friend. I love you.

- Nina Thomas, Savannah, GA

To the family,Mrs Chown was such a delight enjoyed her when I worked at Habersham House as bus driver. Jack Williams

- dorothy williams, savannah, GA

I miss you so much, Ms. Chown. You'll be forever in my mind and heart.

- Annie, Savannah, GA