Mary (Mitsuko) K. Shiramizu

Mary (Mitsuko) K. Shiramizu

SOUTH OGDEN a€" Mary (Mitsuko) Kawachi Shiramizu 84, devoted Catholic and dedicated member of Holy Family Catholic Church, passed away peacefully and returned to her Heavenly Father on April 14, 2009.

Mary was born December 20, 1924 in Narimatsu, Hyogo-Pref. Japan to Tokiichi and Taki Kitagawa Kawachi. She grew up in Japan and graduated in 1956 with a B.A. degree from Nanzan University (Catholic University of Nagoya).

On May 30, 1957 Mary married Yoneo Shiramizu whom she met in 1954 while Yoneo was on R and R from Korea. Vows were exchanged in Japan at the U.S. Embassy and at the Tajimi Catholic Church. Upon that they settled in Clearfield and later in South Ogden, Utah.

Mary was employed at St. Benedict''s Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital from February 1958 until she retired in July 1991. After retirement she volunteered at Birthright and Ogden Regional Medical Center.

She was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she never missed a Sunday mass. She was also a member of the St. Joseph High School Booster Club and was on the high school financial board as a representative of St. Rose of Lima Church. She was also a member of the Association of the University Women''s Club.

Mary loved music, particularly classical music, which inspired her to play the Koto and the piano. She enjoyed traveling, especially to see Pope John Paul II in person during his visit to San Francisco. She enjoyed seeing the Phantom of the Opera on another trip to San Francisco. There were also many enjoyable trips to Hawaii with Yoneo, good friends and their church group. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family at gatherings such as her sons violin recitals, sporting events, and family reunions. More recently she especially enjoyed being with her grandchildren and envisioning them turning into "fine young men and women."

Surviving are her husband Yoneo of South Ogden; two sons, Paul (Patricia) Shiramizu, Salt Lake City, UT; David (Melissa) Shiramizu, Georgetown, TX; and five grandchildren, Rachel, Daniel, Matthew, Claire, and Jonah. Also Mary''s brother Kenji Kawachi (Masako); and sister Mihoko Komori, both from Japan. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Kazuo Kawachi.

Funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 12 noon at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1100 East 5550 South, South Ogden with Father Patrick Elliott presiding.

Friends may call at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd, on Friday from 6 to 8 pm where Holy Rosary will be recited at 7 pm.

Interment, Lindquist''s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road.

The family offers special thanks to Dr. Carl R. Gray M.D. and staff at the Utah Hematology Oncology, PC for the wonderful and tender care they provided to Mary in the last several months.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Holy Family Catholic Church Building Fund.

Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com