Helene Tsutsumoto Yorozu

Helene Tsutsumoto YOROZU Helene Tsutsumoto Yorozu died on Sunday, February 13 in Seattle, Washington, surrounded by her husband and many family members. She was 78 years old. She is survived by her dedicated and loving husband of nearly 55 years, Arthur S. Yorozu; her sister May Mori, her husband, Jun and their children Jeanne, Rick and Ken, all of the Los Angeles, California area. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sally Tsutsumoto and her children: Guy Tsutsumoto, his wife Kathy Kozu and their children Erin and Alec; Jan Tsutsumoto Gokami and her husband, Glenn Gokami and their son, Brooks, all of the Seattle area; Tracy Tsutsumoto and her husband Mike Katayama, New York City; and Thomas Tsutsumoto, Honolulu. There are an additional nine nieces and four nephews. They include: Joyce Yorozu Larson, Christine Yorozu, Kenneth Yorozu, David Yorozu, Betsy Takahashi, Ada Takahashi, Robert Fujii, Susan Tripp, Joanne Yorozu, Patty Schultz, Judy Yorozu, Kei Ann Snyder and Rick Erlandson. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Stella Takahashi, Yae Yorozu and Jean Yorozu and brother-in-law F. Lee Erlandson. Helene was born in Seattle on September 30, 1932. She attended Bailey Gatzert Elementary School. At nine years of age, she and her family were interned at Minidoka, Idaho during World War II. In 1945, Helene returned to Seattle with her family, where she completed her high school education. She graduated from Garfield High School and continued her education at the University of Washington. She graduated from the UW in 1955, majoring in elementary education and minoring in physical education. She was the president of the Orchesis Dance Club at the UW. She began her career as a Seattle Public School teacher in 1955 and taught primarily the fourth and fifth grade, finishing her 25-year teaching career in 1982 at Emerson Elementary School. Helene inspired many of her students to become teachers. The first class she taught was invited to Helene and Art's wedding and they continued to gather for periodic reunions with their spouses and families. Their 35th reunion was held at the Yorozu residence. In 1956, Helene married Art Yorozu. The two were inseparable, enjoying each other's companionship. They traveled throughout the world together. They also enjoyed going to Reno where they met many friends and had great times. Besides teaching, Helene was an accomplished modern dancer, actress and Japanese classical dancer. She performed in the "Teahouse of the August Moon" production in the lead role of Lotus Blossom at the 1962 World's Fair. Helene will be remembered as a gracious hostess to all who visited her and Art's home, a fabulous baker and cook, a graceful, kind and giving friend, mentor to all who entered her life and a favorite "Auntie Helene" to her nieces, nephews and children of their friends. Helene was preceded in death by her parents, Nobuichi and Harumi Tsutsumoto and her brother, Ben Tsutsumoto. A memorial service will be held at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church (3001 - 24th Avenue South, Seattle 98144) on Saturday, March 12, 2011 at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Helene Yorozu's name to Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church, Nikkei Concerns (1601 East Yesler Way, Seattle 98104) or charity of your choice.