Ikuko Otsuka

In loving memory of Ikuko Otsuka, 73, of Medford, MA, who passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. She was a devoted mother, life partner, and a loyal friend to all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Alicia, longtime companion Bill, brother Tetsuya, and sister Kuniko.
Ikuko was born on July 26, 1951, in Yao City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, to Shizue (Hisako) and Tamenosuke Otsuka. She spent her childhood in Maruyama, a small town in Kobe, Japan. She studied Geography at Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan, and afterward traveled to Boston to study English and explore the United States. There she met Peter, whom she later married after returning to Japan, and together they had a daughter. Following their divorce in the mid-1980s, Ikuko moved with her daughter back to the Boston area, settling in Arlington, MA. About 15 years later, she became a homeowner in Medford, MA. A hardworking single parent, she spent most of her career in administration at Madico in Woburn, MA, before retiring in early 2016.
Ikuko is remembered by her family and friends as kind, humble, honest, generous, strong, resilient, compassionate, and wise. She was lively and engaging to talk with about all kinds of topics and had a passion for many things. She had an essence that was infectious and would liven up a room with her enthusiasm, laughter, and her love for dancing. Her gift was touching the hearts and souls who knew her true being.
In the late 1980s, Ikuko started the Japanese-English Bilingual Club in the Boston area, where people of all backgrounds could come together through a shared interest in the Japanese language and culture. She created meaningful lifelong friendships through this group.
Ikuko was also an avid music lover, and in the 1990s, she became connected to the jazz music scene in the Boston area and began studying music intensely, singing jazz standards at jam sessions and sometimes at her own performances. Her passion for music inspired her daughter to follow in her footsteps as a jazz singer as well.
Ikuko's lifelong interest in philosophy and spirituality led her to become a dedicated student, volunteer, and supporter of New Acropolis Boston, a school of philosophy. She volunteered for many years at the school which included setting up the school for receiving new people, helping with renovations such as painting the walls, planting flowers to beautify the space, and setting up outdoor festivals to enrich people about the school's offerings. She had a creative flair which was evident in the cards she created for Crafts for Humanity and the gift bags she put together for the holidays for the Department of Children and Families or for Rosie's Place. She also collected food for the local food bank and contributed to cleanup efforts in the Boston area. Ikuko created so many lasting friendships through this group and they have created a beautiful video tribute for her: https://youtu.be/b4ChrNwybDY
Ikuko found peace and a spiritual connection with nature and delighted in traveling to the world's beautiful places. With her daughter Alicia, she visited the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Belize, Culebra in Puerto Rico, and Japan. She and her partner Bill traveled widely, visiting Costa Rica, Egypt, Spain, Ecuador, Patagonia, Iguazú Falls, Ireland, Glacier National Park, and Yellowstone. Over the years, she also shared many adventures in nature with Bill and her friends in the Boston area, enjoying long walks and hikes in the Emerald Necklace, Blue Hills, Walden Pond, the Minute Man Trail in Concord, Great Meadows, Appleton Farm, and along the Mystic River.
A private memorial service was held at New Acropolis Boston in Cambridge, MA, on June 1, 2025. Ikuko is deeply missed and forever living in the hearts of those who loved her. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ikuko, please visit our Tree Store.