Mae Makiko Ohashi

Mae Makiko Ohashi, 94, passed away peacefully on Monday September 23, 2024, at her home with loving family by her side.

Mae was born on September 15, 1930 in Everett, Washington to Kano and Yosojiro Furukawa. The youngest child of 5 born to Issei parents who immigrated to Washington in the early 1900’s.

She is survived by her children, Suzanne, David (Jennifer), Mark (Tracey), Debra (Ross), Michael (Linda), Dani (Cheryl), 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Her family settled in Everett, WA. At age 9, she spent 6 months in Japan with her mother and brother Yuk, living with the Tanaka family (mother’s side). They returned to Everett in 1940 where she attended Delta Elementary School.

In 1941, the family was incarcerated at Tule Lake Internment Camp. She vividly recalled the barracks, latrines and mess halls. There she attended both English and Japanese school classes and church on Sunday’s. They were released in 1946 and relocated to Auburn, WA.

The family worked on the Ohashi farm in Auburn, WA picking berries and beans. There she met Mike, her future husband, who would ask if she remembered ‘chasing each other around the bean patch’.

Her parents moved to Seattle in 1947, but Mae wanted to finish school at Auburn High School, where she graduated in 1948. She resided with Reverand Southard, his wife and children and was inspired by the strength of their family during her time in Auburn.

After HS, she moved to Seattle with her parents and other family members. She enrolled in the Peterson Business College, then pursued her dream career in cosmetology (allergies prevented her from continuing), before graduating from Seattle Central College.

On July 15, 1951, she married Mike M. Ohashi and started their family of 6 children. During the early years, she operated a hotel in downtown Seattle, worked at the Ohashi restaurant in Chinatown, while Mike started his gardening business.

In 1958, they purchased their home on Beacon Hill where they raised the family and resided until their passing.

Family first was Mom’s focus and passion. She spent years shuttling kids to school, piano and dance lessons, while also supporting sport activities for all her kids. She treated everyone equally and embraced the friends of her kids with open arms and an open house.

In 1977, Mae became an entrepreneur, operating two Baskin Robbins franchises in the Rainier Valley, with partner Rose Fukano. She was beloved by her customers, not only for the delicious ice cream, but also for the kindness she shared with all. She retired in 2003.

Mom was an avid cook and baker. FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER at the house was a family favorite, where she’d shop and cook for 2 days to prepare for one meal for 20+ persons, each week. Kids, grandkids and friends were always invited, where they’d get together and play in the expansive yard and eat the best food ever!

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, annual family trips to Lake Chelan, visiting with relatives and friends, Holiday Celebrations with family, cooking and baking in her favorite room, the kitchen.

Mae was a compassionate person, caregiving for her husband Mike and sister Mary. Always thinking about others first, loving, caring, giving unconditionally, she endeared many and brightened the lives of those around her.

She was the BEST Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, wife, sister, daughter, in law, Mom ‘O’ and friend anyone could ask for. We will miss you dearly Mom, you are ‘Unforgettable’ and will forever be with us. We will see you on the other side.

Mae was preceded in death by her husband (Mike) of 57 years, daughter (Cherie Jane), Father (Yosojiro), Mother (Kano) and 4 siblings (Mary, Yuk, Bob and Art).

Donations may be made to Densho, NVC and Japanese Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.

A Memorial Service (11 am- 12 noon) and Celebration of Life Reception (12 noon-3pm), with burial to follow, will be held on October 26, 2024 at Evergreen Washelli - 11111 Aurora Ave N. Seattle, WA 98133

A live stream of the Memorial Service is available @ https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c24104229150846