Mitsuko Duerr

1932 - 2018

Mitsuko Saito Duerr

July 7, 1932 - August 26, 2018

It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Mitsuko Saito Duerr. She left us on August 26th, 2018.

Dr. Duerr was born on July 7th, 1932 in Tokyo, Japan. Among the first female graduates of Aoyama Gakuin University, Mitsuko was working as a supervisor for a bus company when she filled in for an ill tour guide. Little did she know that on the bus she would meet her future husband, Edwin. Mitsuko moved to the United States in 1957 after they married in Japan. Although the Bay Area was their home base, they travelled and lived around the world.

A loving wife and mother, Mitsuko was devoted to the field of education and fostering cross-cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japanese communities. She earned an M.A. in International Business and taught at San Francisco State University, as well as universities in the Far East and Europe. Constantly striving to do more, she earned her Ph.D. in Business Administration at age 60. She served as a reviewer for the Japan Foundation, the Fulbright Exchange Teacher and Scholars Program, the Government of Japan's JET Program, as well as chair of the Asian/Pacific Affairs Study Section of The Commonwealth Club of California.

Demonstrating her commitment to the non-profit sphere, Dr. Duerr was a long time board member and past president of Satsuki-kai, Inc., an organization focused on furthering the understanding of both Japanese and American cultures through the presentation of special events for the community at large, the elderly and those with special needs. Mitsuko was also a long-time member of The Japan Society, Northern California Board, serving on a number of committees and in a board capacity.

Mitsuko Duerr founded the U.S. Japan Institute, College of Business, San Francisco State University and was its director for almost 20 years.

Music was enjoyed both as an audience member, with a special interest in the symphony, as well as performing. She was a member of two choruses; the Satsuki-Kai chorus and Choraliers and performed numerous times with both these organizations

Mitsuko is survived by her husband of 61 years, Edwin, daughter Ali (Jim), daughter Janet (Steve), son Edwin (Mia), grandchildren Keilan, Logan and Tessa, as well as numerous extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Mitsuko Saito Duerr Endowed Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to San Francisco State University business students for studies in Japan or a charity of your choice. https://give.sfsu.edu/msduerr