Yoshiko Teresa Tokita-Schroder, 85, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026. She was born on December 17, 1940, in Seattle, the fifth child of Kamekichi and Haruko Tokita. She and her family were incarcerated at the Minidoka internment camp during World War II, returning to Seattle in 1945. Yoshiko grew up in Seattle's Chinatown and earned several city wide art awards while at Holy Names Academy. She graduated from the University of Washington in 1963 with a degree in Fine Arts, following a formative cultural exchange trip to Japan. She married Gene Tsuji in 1965 and welcomed daughters Denise and Janette. Yoshiko founded Y & Company in 1980, building a successful freelance career designing various print media for organizations across the region. During this time, Yoshiko developed a deep connection to Native American spiritual practices. She shared a loving partnership with Paul "Bones" Mizuki until his passing 1995. In 2003, she met and later married Jerry Schroder, and together they made their home on a 40 acre farm in Rainier, Washington. She is survived by her husband, Jerry; daughters Denise and Janette; son in law Rob Schwartz; grandchildren Ava and Anthony; Jerry's son, Aaron, and his wife, Aline; and grandson Adam. Yoshiko will be remembered for her artistic talent, her resilience, her devotion to family & friends, and her ability to find beauty and meaning throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in her artwork, her family, and the many lives she touched.
