TOYO BIDDLE

Dear Family of Toyo Biddle: My belated condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Toyo and interviewing in October 2017. She figures importantly in a book that I am writing about Asian American history. I would love to get in touch with you to know more about Toyo's life. Thank you! Ellen Wu, Dept of History, Indiana University Bloomington

You couldn't hide your feelings, she sniffed them out and dug them up like a dog on a buried bone. She guided them into the light of day and the light was good. And grandma was the best gift wrapper I ever knew, a wizard really. You had to love grandma Ueyama; pound for pound most solid neat little gem in the tiara gallery. Right kids?

Ill never forget my trip across country with Toyo. Those were days when we could stay at a commune in New Mexico, find a hot springs in Nevada, and where Toyo was mistaken for a Navajo by an old Navajo woman. We camped, and she took photographs the whole way. Ill treasure our friendship forever.

I am so very sorry to learn of Toyo's passing. She was an incredible woman and loved by many! We spent some wonderful times with her and Chuck at their home in Vermont and also with Toyo here in Rhode Island. RIP Toyo❤

A short lifetime together, never forgotten. Always a part of me, cherished in its way and time. I am better for it. To Cornelia, Anne and Christina mom never knew adversity she couldn't smile or laugh away. We are all better for that who knew her.

Christina and Family,
I am so incredibly sorry for your tremendous loss. Toyo will always have a special place in my heart.

Much Love,
Michelle Gallant (Cummings family)

Toyo was a fierce advocate for the vulnerable -- and, even with her health challenges late in life, she was fierce and full of love for her family. She will be deeply missed but always remembered. Sending love to Christina, Nicola, Philip and everyone who feels her loss so keenly.

I knew Toyo many years ago when we were both working at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and would run into each other as our paths crossed over the years. Toyo always had a smile and a hug. She will be remembered.

I worked with Toyo at the Office of Refugee Resettlement. What I admired most about her was her sense of humor and her dedication to the mission of our office.