Jean Yamashita

Jean Yamashita "Mrs. Mopps" Resident of Berkeley Virginia Ida "Jean" Yamashita passed away Friday, November 25, 2011 following complications from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Jean was born in San Francisco on April 6, 1930 to George Long (a Greek immigrant) and Ida Olsen Long (daughter to sea Captain John Olsen of Sweden and Nellie McGrath of Ireland). She graduated with honors from Mission High School in 1947. In 1962, Jean and (deceased) husband, Lew Svendsgaard, opened Mr. Mopps' Children's Books, a mail order children's literature business. Within a few years, their success in the careful selection of quality books for children of all ages resulted in the opening of Mr. Mopps' Children's Books & Toys as a retail business in Berkeley. In 1973, Jean entered into a loving and devoted partnership with Yuichiro "Eugene" Yamashita as both wife and business partner. With Eugene's business skills and Jean's innate sense of what delights children of all ages, they operated a business (Mr. Mopps' Children's Books & Toys) that continues to be cherished by many, considered an "institution" by some, and that recently passed its 50th anniversary. Jean was preceded in death by sister Barbara Ramirez; and is survived by her devoted husband of 40 years, Eugene Yamashita; sisters Helen Bastian and Georgina Anglero; sisters-in-law Mrs. George (Irene) Nakahama, Misuzu and Naomi Yamashita; daughter Lauralee Svendsgaard, and son Canyon Bernal. The family will hold a private service. A memorial fund has been established with Shriners Hospital for Children -- Northern California. Donations with a note indicating "Jean Yamashita Memorial Fund" may be made online at www.ShrinersHospitals.org or checks may be mailed to 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817.