Ayako Yamashita Chapman

How fortunate we have been. How great the gift we received. On July 1, 2022 our Mother completed the last lap of her happy fully lived life here when she was able to unbridle her spirit and journey to possibilities known and unknown. We know without a doubt Pop met her with a thermos of coffee as they departed together on their journey through infinity. We hope they will swing back by and pick us up at a much later date. Ayako Yamashita Chapman was born 12/21/34 in a country that she called Formosa, in a city now known as Taipei Taiwan China. She was born to father Matsuyoshi Yamashita, a journalist and mother Yoshia Takahashi, a homemaker. She joined older brother Fujio, sister Michiko and was followed some years later by younger sister Yoshiko and brother Masato. Mom described the early years of her life in Formosa as idyllic. The hard times of war soon followed. In 1945 after WW2 ended Japan ceded all overseas possessions which included Formosa to the Republic of China. Mom's family with great difficulty were able to relocate to Kumamoto Japan. This became their new home. Homelessness, hunger and fear became part of her 10 year old life. Besides food the thing she wanted the most was to return to school, something she loved passionately. Eventually she was able to resume her education at the Lutheran Missionary middle school. During this time in her life Mom was able to share her incredible operatic voice with her countrymen by singing on their National Radio Program. Sadly, continuing education for a young woman in 1940’s Japan was not a possibility so Mom entered the workforce to help her family survive. She eventually made her way to Sasebo Japan where work was available because of the US Naval Base nearby. Mom was blessed with an abundance of friendliness, kindness, intelligence and a beaming smile. So it is no surprise to us that when a certain young navy man from Wenatchee walked into the restaurant where she was working and they met, well, that is now part of our family’s history. Wayne M Chapman and Ayako Yamashita were married August 4, 1954 at the American Consulate, Fukuoka Japan. After Wayne’s tour of duty in Japan completed he was reassigned to Hawaii. For our Mother and Father this was a year long honeymoon in a beautiful location surrounded by warm and welcoming people. After completing his enlistment they settled in South Wenatchee home to Wayne’s family. At this time Mom became employed at her favorite job ever, housekeeping at Deaconess Hospital. She loved the work and the people. In 1958 they welcomed Susan Marie and in 1962 William (Bill) Wynne Chapman to their family. Mom worked at Cedargreens and then Skookum seasonally to accommodate parenting. She made many friends there and fondly enjoyed Friday (payday) luncheons at the Chieftain with her coworkers. Eventually Mom got the courage to apply at JC Penneys for a sales associate position. She was convinced that her English was not good enough and she would never be hired. Anybody that knows Mom knew otherwise. Her career in the Men’s Department began and she thrived. Along the way during those decades Mom always pursued outside interests. She was actively involved in Music Theatre of Wenatchee and the Follies shows. She painted in oils, studied belly dancing, played piano and sang, sang, sang!!! She took up running and was known to frequently knock off 6 miles after a long shift on her feet at work. Mom and Pop spent much of their free time riding motorcycles, exploring mountain roads, clam digging, salmon fishing and wood cutting among so very many things. Mom was always there, present in the lives of her children. She attended every sporting event, concert etc that her children participated in. She was our biggest loudest one woman cheer section. Mom also had a group of Japanese Lady friends that met regularly and she thoroughly enjoyed those times. Another source of joy for Mom was being able to spend time with her beloved older sister Michiko and her family. Along came her 4 grandchildren and her life became even fuller. So many hugs and kisses. Pop was able to bribe Mom into retirement eventually so she hung up her badge and joined him in early retirement. She enjoyed many years babysitting her youngest grandson Brock and she loved being a full-time Grammy. During this time she also began the dream of completing her education. She attended WVC and earned her HIgh School Diploma and her AA degree. She was chosen by her classmates to give the address. We were so proud! Life was sweet and kind with family time, traveling, Wednesday Whoppers, BBQ’s at Bill and Sue’s, and a dog. just life at its best. 1999 introduced hardship. Pop was diagnosed with cancer and passed away in 2000, Those years following his passing were extremely difficult and sad for Mom. Dementia, Alzheimer's… what a terrifying, difficult, life robbing condition to endure. Mom started experiencing some symptoms as early as 2005. The progression of her disease continued on, ultimately leaving her without her independance. These were challenging years for her and our family. We believe we succeeded in giving back to her the love and care that she gave all of us. We did not do it alone. Much appreciation to Sara and Maribeth Brisky who helped us care for Mom at home with love, laughter and so much affection. Mom rocked purple hair during those years! To Sharri Lorraine who brought nostalgic TV and home cooking recipes along with her care of Mom. We could not have done it without you Ladies. Our deep gratitude to Dr. Patrick Lynch Mom’s longtime PCP who Mom adored. To Confluence Health Home Care and Hospice caregivers and staff we thank you. The past 5 months Mom lived at Senior Serenity Adult Family Home and we thank all of the staff, residents and owners for their care and affection. Ayako has reunited with Wayne. She was preceeded in death by brother Fujio and sister Michiko. She is survived by sister Yoshiko and family and brother Masato and family of Japan. Daughter Susan Chapman, grandsons Alexander and Ian Davis, Son Bill Chapman, wife Sue and granddaughter Lyndsey Chapman (Nate), grandson Brock Chapman (Candra) and great grandchildren Kinley and Easton Chapman. Niece Linda Florenza (Gerry) and sons Christopher and Ryan Sandoval. Niece Jan Little (John), nephew Robert Jacksdadt, Morris Hale , Jack Hale and all of their families. Please be welcomed to attend Ayako’s Memorial Service Friday 7/29 at 11:30 at Jones and Jones/Betts Funeral Home in Wenatchee. A private family interment will follow at graveside immediately afterwards. Then please join Ayako’s family for a celebration of her life at The Continental Condo Clubhouse At 6 pm Friday 7/29. 300 S. Elliott Ave, Wenatchee. We will celebrate with food, drink, sharing memories with laughter and tears. We invite you to wear purple, Ayako’s favorite color! In honor of Ayako’s memory, consider contributing to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

Tributes

Ayako Yamashita Chapman

December 21, 1934 - July 1, 2022