Frances Taeko Yoshino

1929 - 2025

Frances Taeko Yoshino (Kaku)
March 15, 1929 - November 29, 2025
Frances Taeko Yoshino died peacefully in her home on November 29, 2025.
Frances was born on March 15, 1929, to Hana and Kazuji Kaku. The third of 7 children, Frances grew up on a berry farm in San Jose, California.
In 1942, Executive Order 9066 forced the Kaku family to pack their belongings, leave their homes, and move to designated areas. Frances, 5 of her siblings, her father, and as many of their belongings as they could fit, loaded into their Essex sedan and joined a caravan of Japanese Americans on their way to Utah, while her mother and youngest siblings went by train.
Following World War II, the family relocated to Weiser, ID, where Frances met George Yoshino. They married on December 29, 1951. Their first child, Jean, was born in 1953, followed by daughters Frankie (Jo) and Georgia Ann, who died in infancy, and sons Michael and Walt. The couple raised their children and farmed in Quincy, WA.
Known for her strong work ethic, Frances could be seen teaching her children about hard work in the hot dusty fields. Frances worked during apple harvest for many years, even out picking many of the grown men on the crew. While George and Frances ultimately separated, George always remained appreciative of Frances's skills as a mother, crediting her with the amazing people their children became.
Frances enjoyed time with her family. She even walked around Green Lake with all of her kids at age 90. She cared for her mother in her later years until Hana died in 2005.
Her children and grandchildren will remember her delicious food, especially her apple pie. She will also be remembered for her love of sports, including the Mariners, Storm, Seahawks, and Cougs.
Frances is preceded in death by her parents, Hana and Kazuji Kaku; her brothers, Yukio (John) and Toshio (Roy); her sister, Hisako (Aich), and her daughter, Georgia Ann. She is survived by her sister, Masako (Mas); her brothers, Michio (Mich) and Hideo (Dale); her daughters, Jean March and Jo Foglesong; her sons, Michael and Walt Yoshino; her six grandchildren, Jill (Anthony), Derek (Kelsie) Lance (Breann), Leah (Steven), Alicia, and Erin, and her seven great grandchildren: Lana, Levi, Aurora, Laci, Hanalei, Luca, and Jenavi.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Please include Frances Taeko Yoshino in the memo line.