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Yoshiko Selkirk Obituary
February 21, 1935 - February 23, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Yoshiko Fukugata Selkirk, who passed away peacefully at the age of 90. Born in Koyasan, Japan, on February 21, 1935, Yoshiko was the daughter of Bunichi Fukugata and sister of Yoshimi and Muneo Fukugata. Yoshiko moved to the United States where she would spend her life creating a loving and welcoming home for her family and friends.
Yoshiko married Charles Selkirk at the American Consulate in Japan, and they shared 45 years of marriage until his passing. Together, they raised two daughters, Lisa Halbert (fiancé Jack Dougall) and Jane Pagan (Edgar), and were blessed with three grandchildren: Kimberly Halbert, Joseph Pagan, and Michael Pagan. Yoshiko is also survived by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ronald and Judy Selkirk, as well as her nieces and nephews.
Charles and Yoshiko's life journey took them from Washington, DC, where they began their family, to Temple Hills, MD, where Yoshiko worked as an in-home daycare provider. In 1990, they moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, to be closer to their daughter, Lisa. Throughout her life, Yoshiko was known for her passion for gardening, travel, and reading. She had an immense love for children, and her home was always a place of comfort and warmth for anyone who entered.
Yoshiko will be remembered for her intelligence, strength, humor, sweetness, and most of all her loving nature. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her ability to make everyone feel welcome and cared for was a gift she shared generously.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church By-the-Sea, 1801 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250.
Charity donations in remembrance of Yoshiko may be made to the Dementia Society of America (www.DementiaSociety.org/donate).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ken & Kim Anoe
March 11, 2025
Yoshiko and her family became our family and like grandparents to our two young daughters when we lived in the Washington DC area. The girls spent many fun hours amidst Yoshi´s loving household, thriving with her gentle manner and guidance. Our families have been blessed to have celebrated birthdays, holidays, and special occasions together for nearly 50 years. Yoshi, as well as her whole family, welcomed us all into their home and provided loving care (and lots of fun!) for Jenny & Karen when Ken & I had to be at work. Yoshiko always had a kind word, a ready smile, a delightful sense of humor, and a way of showing encouragement that warmed our hearts and made the difficulties of the day magically seem less difficult. We will miss her and keep her close in our hearts!
Helen Eckert
March 11, 2025
I will always remember the time that I spent with Yoshiko. Thank you for the opportunity to be with her.
Beth Keyser Brennan
February 28, 2025
After my family moved away from temple hills, my visits back were to my own Granny Kolb and to the Selkirk´s. Their home was so filled with love and acceptance. It was a joyful place and Yoshiko was the heart! I will always remember my time with Janie and her family fondly. Sending you guys love and support. Beth Keyser Brennan
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Kerstin Milner
February 27, 2025
My heart goes out to you, Kim, and to your family. Your mom has only left you in body, her love for you will remain forever.
Karen Bryant
February 26, 2025
Yoshiko was not only a loving, caring, and welcoming force in the world...she built self-confidence and trust in others for the small people she cared for. She was a force to be reckoned with; fun-loving, exceptionally devoted, and deeply creative. As a child, Yoshi´s was our second home. Whether we were playing "school" in her kitchen, snuggling up in the stuffed animals in Jane´s room, riding the plastic rocking horse on springs, or playing Hunt the Wampus with Uncle Chuck, I will never forget the way she showed her love. She would make you sit in the green chair while, at the same time, sneaking you those double-stuffed oreos she bought for you just so that you knew you were wanted. I will miss having her amazing love in this world and am forever thankful for the self-confidence she instilled in those fortunate enough to know her.
Pam Hastings
February 26, 2025
Lisa, I´m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. I know she meant the world to you. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Cheryl Johnson
February 26, 2025
I appreciate Yoshiko´s loving care for my son Paul when I returned to work. Her gentle ways made her the perfect child care provider.
Eileen Gleim
February 26, 2025
I will miss my sweet friend, who was always welcoming and loving and generous. Go with God, dearest Yoshi.
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