Michiko Uchiyama Obituary

Uchiyama, Michiko
TAMPA, Fla. - Michiko Uchiyama peacefully passed away in her sleep on December 4, 2024, after a long battle with rheumatoid arthritis and dementia. She was 81 years old. She was born in Kagoshima, Japan, and moved to the United States in 1971.
Michiko and her husband, Shuji Uchiyama, were the owners of Shuji's Japanese Restaurant in New Lebanon, N.Y. She was affectionately known to those in the community as "Mrs. Shuji," and brought a smile to everyone she met. For over 30 years, Michiko was the friendly face who welcomed guests to the restaurant and worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone had a unique and memorable dining experience. She was loved and respected by all who worked with her for her attention to detail, quick wit and sharp mind. Not only was Michiko the "face" of the restaurant, she was also the heart that kept the restaurant running with graceful excellence.
To her daughter, Maki, Michiko was a kind, clever, fair and outgoing mother, with a wry sense of humor, who loved going to the movies. She also loved going out for pizza or pasta and would always order dessert. Michiko and her husband loved the warm weather and would spend several months each year in their winter home in Naples, Fla., before retiring there permanently. In her retirement, she spent time with her daughter and discovered a talent for painting.
Although her immediate family was small, she considered those who worked and dined at the restaurant as her adopted family. Michiko is survived by her husband, Shuji Uchiyama, in Naples, Fla., and her daughter and son-in-law, Maki Uchiyama and Matt Williams, in Tampa, Fla. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Tampa Resource Center - LifePath Hospice.

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Published by Albany Times Union on Jan. 5, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Michiko Uchiyama

12 Entries

Nancy Rawling

January 22, 2025

So sad to hear this. I still remember her words of wisdom to this day even though it has been many years since I worked with her. She will be missed.

Anne Yamin Philippi

January 15, 2025

Oh nooo, this is so sad to see. I am so sorry Maki and Shuji for your loss. I have wonderful memories of working for/with Michiko. No matter what a night at the restaurant brought, she managed it with poise and dignity. She was amazing. Customer´s loved and appreciated her. Michiko took time to get to know everyone who worked at the restaurant. She had certainly made an impression on my life and anyone else that had the privilege of knowing her. She was a special lady.

Darlene Esposito

January 13, 2025

I was so sad to hear of the passing of michiko. I have so many wonderful memories of our times together. Maki and Shuji my love and prayers are with you

Susan Ford

January 12, 2025

Shuji & Maki-
I was so saddened to hear the news of Michiko´s passing. I have so many fond memories of working (and eating) at Shuji´s. My she live forever in your memories.

Susan Ford

Susan Cassidy

January 11, 2025

I´m so sorry to hear of Michiko´s passing.
I have wonderful memories working for both of you and you taught me great work ethic. What a wonderful place that was. I think of you both often.

John A. Bernardo Esq

January 7, 2025

My condolences to the family. May the fond and loving memories be a comfort and always be with you.

Gregg Gibbons

January 7, 2025

My six years working at Shuji's began washing dishes where Michiko would come up behind me and slap my back saying, Stand up straight. I do not slouch to this day and thank her for her guidance. Working at Shuji's was one of the best jobs I've had. Michiko and Shuji were ideal bosses and we were all treated as family.
My condolences to you, Shuji and Maki. Michiko was quiet and kind but a force to be reckoned with when needed. She will be missed.

Roz Conway

January 5, 2025

I spent 6 years working at Shuji's and there was no better family to work for. They were kind, honest and loving. It was a joy to watch Maki grow up with Michiko's guidance. I was married at the restaurant and Shuji and Michiko couldn't have made it more special.
My heart goes out to Maki and Shuji and I hope all their special memories help them during this sad and difficult time.

Catherine Fairweather

January 3, 2025

Shuji and Maki,
I´m so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you. I truly enjoyed my time working for her at Shuji´s as a bus girl and cleaner. Every time I clean a bathroom or eat McDonald´s hash browns, I think of her! She was truly a special person.

Ray Barber

January 3, 2025

I enjoyed spending time with Michiko and recall her sense of humor. Having her and Maki as dinner guests, is a fond memory. When she was living locally at Sunrise, I loved to drop in on her unannounced. She seemed to always love the company. She will truly be missed.

Bill Gubitz

January 3, 2025

Dear Shuji and Maki,

I was so heartbroken to hear about Michiko´s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Shuji, the warmth and care you´ve always shown are a testament to the love Michiko inspired. I hope you and Maki can lean on the support of the many lives you´ve touched. You all certainly touched my life.

You are in my thoughts.

With sympathy,
Bill Gubitz
"Billy-San

Laura Gubitz McGuirk

January 3, 2025

I loved my years working with Michiko as a waitress at Shuji´s. She was always so energetic and professional. I will always treasure my memories of visiting her in Marco Island with Shuji! They treated me as family and for that I will always be grateful! We held our wedding reception at Shuji´s and Michiko made sure it was a special event. I send my love to Shuji and Maki. You are in my thoughts!
All my love, Laura

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results