Mitsuko Wilson

Mitsuko Kimura Wilson, affectionally known as “Mitsi” and “Grandma,” was born on March 14, 1941, in Nishi Ariie City in Minami-Shibara County, near Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. She passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, leaving a legacy of love, family, adventure, tenacity, and dedication woven together with countless cherished moments.

As the youngest of six, growing up in a small, seaside village, she could hold both Mount Takaiwa and the Ariake Sea in the same view. She was vivacious and fearless, moving independently to the big city of Tokyo in her 20s. There, she met her future husband, Robert, who was stationed at Yokota U.S. Air Force Base. As a testament to their love, they married on Valentine’s Day, 1966.

She was a devoted wife and mother, leaving her country of birth with determination to support her military husband throughout numerous away duties, relocations, and tribulations. Through all these challenges, she enabled her children to thrive.

Mitsi loved food and was an excellent cook. She could cook anything from Japanese to Polish meals, and she shared these recipes with her children. She loved nature and passed down her green thumb. She also loved games of skill and taught us all how to win at Bingo and in life.

Most of all, she loved her children. She taught us how to persevere, which has been a great gift to us all.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Robert, and cherished children: Robert Jr. and Julie, James, Dennis and Ann-Marie and Vincent. Mitsi has 4 grandchildren, Rachel, Emily, Joseph, and Abigail.

Mitsi’s life was an amazing story of love, compassion, determination, and resilience. Her memory will forever be a North Star guiding her family between the mountains and the seas, inspiring them to be happy and successful in whatever comes next.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00PM, followed by a funeral service on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.