Mary Yamahiro

July 27, 1937 — October 20, 2024

Mary Yamahiro was born on July 27, 1937 in Milwaukee WI. She was the youngest of four children. She had close relationships with her parents Margaret Silverman and William Ramm and managed their care until their final days. Mary was known in her family as Sis or Aunt Sis. She spent many years getting together for holidays with her sister Peg's family. She also maintained a close relationship with her brother Bill. They would always have a great time talking and laughing together whenever they got together. When she was In elementary school she met her lifelong friend Sue Doro. They shared a friendship for over 80 years and often talked about their walks to and from school. How sometimes Sue would have money and they would stop for a treat at the potato chip factory or for penny candy or a sauerkraut snack at the corner store. They have remained great friends over the years. In the 80's Sue moved to California, however, they would often meet in Chicago when Sue was in town for business and the always kept in contact by phone especially when long distance calls became free. Mary graduated from Cathedral High School. Following graduation, she kept in touch with several of her high school friends. They used to meet regularly at each other's houses for what they called Hen Club. Although the group eventually disbanded and many of the members are no longer with us, Mary did still remain in touch with her good friend Donna Ferency. They would get together for lunch and talk regularly on the phone. Mary worked as a secretary for Milwaukee County where she met her husband, Henry Yamahiro. He was working as a social worker when they met. They married in 1959. They had their first child, Glenn in 1960. They built a house in Brown Deer shortly after that and then had their second child, Karen. Mary and Henry were married just short of 25 years when he died of a heart attack. They enjoyed their time together in Brown Deer raising the family and taking vacations every year. Mary worked as a secretary and an administrative assistant throughout her life at various companies. She met and collected a lot of great friends along the way. She retired at age 62. Mary loved fireworks. For years she oohed and aahed at the July 3rd lakefront fireworks. She would also attend all of the festivals that were having fireworks shows. She especially loved the loud fireworks. If you've ever watched fireworks with her you know that she wanted to sit as close to where they were being shot off as possible. Mary enjoyed arts and crafts and over the years took many different recreation classes to learn how to paint, quilt, refinish furniture and make cards. She enjoyed going to arts and craft shows as well as estate sales. Since retiring Mary loved spending time with her five grandchildren. She was always up for having them swim in her condo pool, babysitting at a moments notice and she loved to attend their school activities. She had close relationships with all of them and always was happy when they would call or visit. She was asked many times who was the favorite and as it turns out she eventually admitted in her final days that they are all her favorites for different reasons. For the past 30 years Mary has lived in a condo and has met many wonderful neighbors and friends. We especially wish to thank Pam who has been such a good friend and has been so helpful during her illness. Mary had a great sense of humor, an infectious laugh, and a friendly smile. She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed. Mary is survived by her children, Glenn and Isa Yamahiro and Karen and Glenn Saito, as well as her grandchildren, Stephen, Aly, Hana, Vishal, Michael, Madeline, Sophia and Enrique. In lieu of flowers, donations to one of her favorite charities is appreciated. She enjoyed supporting Street Angels, The Hunger Task Force and Habitat For Humanity. The family would like to thank the staff at Azura Assisted Living in Brookfield for taking good care of her these past three months. They would also like to thank the wonderful nurses at Compassus Hospice in both the Sheboygan and Brookfield offices, with special thanks to Heather and Forest.

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