Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Yoshiko Watanabe Obituary
Yo was born on March 20th, 1923 in Heber, California and passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 4th, 2014, in Tempe, AZ. She was 91 years of age. Yo is survived by her brothers, Gene (Lou) and Kenny Watanabe; several nephews; one niece; two great nieces and one great nephew. Yo and her family were interned in Poston, Arizona Relocation Camp, along with 15,000 of the 110,000 other Japanese Americans, during World War Two. After their release, they began rebuilding their lives and established Watanabes Japanese Flower Gardens. The Flower Gardens was owned and operated on Baseline Road, in Phoenix, Arizona, for over 60 years. During her lifetime, Yo enjoyed participating in Competitive Ballroom dancing and was an Accomplished Seamstress. Yo was a member of Alpha Sigma Chapter Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority for 48 years. Yo ran the front shop, did the accounting and specialized in designing corsages/boutonnieres and wedding flowers for the family business. Yo's wish was that her friends give a flower to someone they do not know and, hopefully, receive a smile. It is the warm feeling that you will get from doing this that she wants to share with you. Services were held privately. Arrangements entrusted to Lowmans Arizona Funeral Home, Inc. (602) 276-3601.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Yoshiko Watanabe
Sherry Sabey
October 29, 2014
The world has lost a wonderful person. May God be with her friends and family. For many years the only place I would purchase flowers was Watanabe's. I remember many times I would buy two or three items and Yo would throw in an extra item.
Gonzales Family
October 28, 2014
Yo was such a beautiful and sweet woman with a heart of gold. She could make you smile as soon as you walked into the flower shop. She will be sadly missed. Condolences to the family.
October 27, 2014
The Blancas-Viloria family.
Condolences to the Watanabe family, Our family always ordered flowers from her at Watanabes. Yo was a very beautiful person. Rest in Peace Yo.
Esther Garcia O'Hare
October 27, 2014
Miss Watanabe was the nicest lady! She was always so sweet to my dad, who bought flowers weekly from the Watanabe's, to take to my mother's grave. Condolences to the family; Miss Watanabe will be sorely missed.
October 27, 2014
So many memories to remember. From the 50s on.
My Brother "Bud" and our family were always treated as family by Yo.
Jim Hamblen
October 27, 2014
To Kenny and the Watanabe Family, With sadness we read of Yo's passing, as I so remember her big smile as I picked up flowers for my mother in Casa Grande and then doing my Wedding 46 years ago, so beautiful and what art they did in all they did, and Kenny always so helpful and kind, as he went and delivered the flowers to Casa Grande himself!!Our Sympathy and love, Helmuth Eggeling (Cruz) family
Lucy Kienitz Spence
October 26, 2014
She was a wonderful woman and lived a beautiful life.
October 26, 2014
Heart felt condolences to the Watanabe Family from Edmund/Martha Navarro and their children Ed, Tita & Edie Navarro...
Sylvia Belle Drury
October 25, 2014
Memories of a beautiful women. I lived in Phoenix as a teenager and remember how much my Grandmother Maude Williams and Yoshiko love to visit when we often bought flowers to take to the cemetery. What a beautiful spirit they both were. May God richly Bless your families.
John (for Kikue) Spence
October 25, 2014
My mom first met Yo in the early 60s and remembers she always had a smile and a welcome greeting. She will always remember her when she sees beautiful flowers.
Marlo Ivey
October 25, 2014
A beautiful soul and generous heart has left us. Countless corsages, boutineers, my wedding flowers as well as many just because flowers bought from her. My prayers are with the family.
Ruben Navarro
October 25, 2014
a great lady a part of South phoenix is leaving us,god bless you and your new journey
Jim Fountain
October 25, 2014
She was a truly gifted artist with flowers. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
Donna Tucker Fountain
October 25, 2014
Yo was one of the kindest people I ever met. Loved her and her family dearly ! Very special people that meant a lot to my family. Love to all
Tommie Taylor
October 25, 2014
Phoenix has lost a beautiful lady from a beautiful family who gave so much beauty to the City's residents with the Watanabe Flower Gardens. Thank you. God bless and keep you.
A resident of Phoenix.
cora cuen
October 25, 2014
we knew of a Watanabe family who lived
in San Pedro, Calif. please if related to them, as I have a photo of her.
God Bless & Thank You Cora
Leta Lemon
October 25, 2014
To the Watanabe Family,
I was saddened to see the passing of Yo. My family, the Land Family, were neighbors of your parents before the War. My Grandparents, J.H. Land, and Leta Land, helped them during their time at Poston. Yo very generously made lovely flowers for my wedding, 46 years ago, and refused payment, insisting that any relative of the Lands would never pay the Watanabe family. I grew up with stories from my grandparents of what a wonderful family the Watanabes were. Bless you. Leta Lemon
d. c. williams
October 25, 2014
We have lost a beautiful lady. Condolences to Kenny & Lou
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
Make a Donation
in Yoshiko Watanabe's name
Memorial Events
for Yoshiko Watanabe
How to support Yoshiko's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Yoshiko Watanabe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
