Michiko Smith

With profoundly deep sorrow the family of Michiko Smith (Cashman) announce her peaceful passing on May 27 at age 70.

A resident of Seal Beach, CA, she was adored by her husband of 12 years, Glenn Cashman; daughters Michiko Monique Smith, Aiko Smith, and Emiko Smith; son-in-law Shawn Memapan; grandchildren Evan Memapan, Brooklyn Kettler, Edi Memapan, Carter Kettler and Jordan Kettler; brother Hitoshi Aoyama (wife Midori); step-sister Fumiko Onami (husband Masashi); and step mother Noriko Aoyama. She was predeceased by her parents Sadao & Kiyoko Aoyama, and ex-husband Ronnie Smith.

Michiko grew up in Omiya Saitama near Tokyo. Her father was a noted Sumo wrestler. She immigrated to the US in 1981. A gifted artist, she painted in watercolor and acrylic in an abstract style she called "New Age Healing Art." In 2023, three of her works appeared in a juried group show at the Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo. Her long association with Los Angeles based Lantern of the East (LELA) art group led to group exhibits in Japan, Armenia, South Korea and Mexico. She was selected to join the New York City based National Association of Women Artists (N.A.W.A.) in 2014, displaying her work in nine N.A.W.A.shows. More recently she joined the Southern California Woman's Caucus for Art.

An avid Jazz and Brazilian music enthusiast, Michiko met her husband Glenn while he was performing at the famous Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach, CA. Michiko will be remembered for her sincerity, compassionate nature, positive outlook, love for family and friends, and her dazzling smile. A beautiful Celebration of Life was held on June 14. Donations in her name may be made to the American Lung Association, action.lung.org or to LELA International Artists, https://www.lelainternational.org/donations