Mitsue S. Green

Mitsue S. Green, 75, of Groton, it is with deep sadness, we announce the passing of Mitsue Shimomura Green, who passed away Monday morning May 1, 2023, at her residence. Mitsue was born June 9, 1947, in Tokyo, Japan to Mie and Yoshinobu Shimomura.  She married Ralph Green, he survives her.

Throughout her life, Mitsue's greatest source of inspiration and guidance was Elvis Presley. She first heard his music on the radio at the age of 14 and was immediately captivated by his charisma and voice. From that moment on, she became a devoted fan and admirer, remaining so until her passing on May 1st, which, coincidentally is also Elvis' wedding anniversary. 

Because of Elvis, she learned English, met two of her best friends at the age of 14 when she joined an Elvis Presley Fan Club, took a six-month vacation in 1970 to see Elvis perform in Las Vegas, TWICE, and made her way to Graceland for her first visit where she had the chance to meet Elvis' dad, Vernon. And on the day Elvis died, she realized she was always on Ralph’s mind, when he made his first international phone call, from the Caribbean, to make sure she was ok. This small gesture sealed the deal for her to agree to his marriage proposal, via a postcard a few months later.

Mitsue and Ralph tied the knot on November 11, 1978, in a modest ceremony in Arlington, Ohio. Despite the saying that fools rush in, they wasted no time in starting a family and had three children, twin girls and, as she would say, her favorite only son. 

She was always there to lend a hand with everything they did. She raised her children in three different countries and three different states and traveled to every city to be present for the births of her grandchildren. As a Navy wife, she took pride in Ralph's achievement of becoming Chief, and when he retired from the Navy, she became a full-time college student's wife while still caring for three teenagers. She earned and deserved every award for Greatest Wife and Mom.

She was delighted with her family, and they made her life complete. For the past fourteen years, she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren with ice cream or pumpkin pie with whipped cream shots for breakfast. 

Mitsue learned a new language, culture, and the "American way of life," while remaining true to herself. She instilled a sense of purpose and mindfulness in her children that only a Japanese woman could do. She taught them to take pride in their family, how to be a loyal friend, and let joy lead them on their life's journey. 

Mitsue displayed unwavering strength and commitment to her family, friends, and passions, leaving a legacy that will be cherished. Although she has passed away, her love for Elvis Presley and his music will forever be a part of her story.

In addition to her beloved husband Ralph, she is survived by her children Dana Green and her partner Matthew Frizzell, Naomi Green and her husband John Green, and her son Masao Green. She was affectionately known as Bebe to her grandchildren Mie, Emiko, Lewis, Allyster, Bennett, Charlotte, Jackson, and Graham.  Her sisters Miho Sasaki and Chika Uchida, her in-laws; Robert W. and Diane Green, and Trudy Wolford and Debra Moore, and all of her wonderful nieces and nephews.  

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Homei Shimorura.  

The family would like to express their gratitude and love to the team from Masonicare Home Health and Hospice and her sister in-law, Trudy Wolford.  Thanks to their help, Mitsue was able to spend her last two months at home with her loved ones, with grace, dignity, and Elvis 24/7. 

The family would like to express their gratitude and love to the team from Masonicare Home Health and Hospice and her sister in-law, Trudy Wolford.  Thanks to their help, Mitsue was able to spend her last two months at home with her loved ones, with grace, dignity, and Elvis 24/7. 

Mitsue believed she lived an ordinary life and didn’t realize how extraordinary she truly was. Many people have said she put up a good fight against cancer but she didn't fight. Rather, she lived life her way and would not let cancer define her.  She was a shining example of amazing grace.  May we all strive to approach life with the same tenacity and positivity and carry on like we will see another tomorrow.

The Green’s will greet friends and family from 10:00am to 11:00am Saturday May 13, 2023 with A Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00am at the Byles Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames Street in Groton, CT. 

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations be made in Mitsue’s memory to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492 or to the Smilo Hospital Cancer Care, 230 Waterford Parkway South, Waterford, CT06385 

Please join us in honoring Mitsue by playing music by Elvis while spending some quality time with your family and friends