Mineko Druhan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mineko Druhan, 100, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, just 13 days after her 100th birthday.

Mineko lived 44 years in Japan, 6 years in China and 50 years in the United States. She was born on January 6, 1926 in Fukuoka, Japan to Yasu Sato and Kikue Akagi. She had 2 brothers and 5 sisters. In 1939, when she was 13 years old, her family moved to northern China, which was occupied by Japan then. She and her family ran a restaurant for 6 years serving the Japanese soldiers during the war. The family returned to Fukuoka, Japan in 1946 after WW2 ended. She was 19 years old.

Mineko met her husband, Raymond Francis Druhan, later that year in a restaurant where she worked. As part of the American military occupation of Japan, Ray was an US Army warrant officer working in southern Japan. They quickly fell in love and began a life together. After his discharge from the US Army, he got a job with Chase Manhattan bank in 1948 and moved from Brooklyn, New York to Tokyo, Japan to be with Mineko. In 1951, Ray was assigned to manage the Chase Manhattan bank on Yokosuka Navy Base, where he worked for 24 years.

Mineko obtained her US citizenship in 1957. They lived on Akiya beach in Yokosuka with a beautiful view of Mt Fuji across Sagami Bay for 25 years. They raised 4 children, Mary, Lucille, Thom and Eileen in Japan. As the children finished high school, they left one by one to seek opportunities in the US. When Ray retired, they moved to Edmonds, Washington in 1976 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Mineko was active with many traditional Japanese hobbies. Below are some of her accomplishments:

• member of several Japanese clubs in Seattle, such as Kisaragi-Kai and Fukuoka Kenjinkai

• studied flower arrangement at Ohara School of Ikebana and displayed her arrangements at various events

• learned to play koto

• played shamisen as a member of the Kabuki Academy group and performed at various events, including the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Seattle and an event in Tokyo

• learned and practiced shigin, which is chant like singing or reciting poetry

• studied and participated in tea ceremonies

She performed these arts wearing beautiful kimonos. She truly loved Japanese art.

In addition to these hobbies, she enjoyed gardening, entertaining guests, going out to eat, traveling, spending time with family and friends, watching Japanese TV shows and sumo matches, casinos, playing games, etc. She lived a long life full of wonderful and varied experiences.

Mineko was known for her warm and caring personality. She had a generous heart, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many. She was a true matriarch whose presence will be deeply missed. Her legacy will endure and her spirit will continue to inspire us all. In our hearts, Mineko lives on and will forever honor the legacy of a remarkable woman.

She was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Francis Druhan (1984). She is survived by her 4 children, 8 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and many extended family members in Japan.

Mineko will be remembered for her kind heart and love for family. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Mineko's life will be held on March 9th at 11:00am at Beck's Tribute Center in Edmonds. The family invites all who knew her to attend and share their favorite memories.