Misuko Shimada

Misuko “June” Shimada

SALT LAKE CITY - Misuko “June” Shimada, 91, passed away on June 3, 2014 of natural causes.

She was born June 12, 1922, in Syracuse, Utah, to Shinichi and Suzumi Yamada.  Misuko graduated from Davis High School and attended Sewing School, enabling her to get a job at Utah Tailoring while also working on her father’s farm.

Misuko’s traditional “omiai” (arranged) marriage to Shige Shimada on January 17, 1945 was a match meant to be; she and Shige were inseparable for 64 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2009.  As well as helping Shige on the farm and raising a family of six sons, Misuko also worked outside of their home.  After 14 years at Utah Noodle Parlor in Ogden, Misuko enjoyed another 14 years at Mountain State Plants, working with flowers alongside her sister-in-law and best friend, Kiyoko Yamada.

She was active in the Ogden Buddhist Church and was also a member of the Utah Young Homemaker’s Association for 30 years, being proudly recognized as the North Davis Chapter’s Young Homemaker of the Year in 1971.  After many years in Syracuse and West Point, they moved to Salt Lake City, where they went from vegetable farming to regular seats at their grandchildren’s sporting events.

Misuko will be remembered for her gentle sweet spirit, as well as her wonderful cooking and baking.  She was also a big casino bingo fan but more than anything, she enjoyed gatherings with family and friends.

Misuko is survived by six sons, Gary (Wendy), Roland (Janice), Alan (Beverly), Lynn (Marilyn), Lannie, and Brent (JoLene), 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sister, Aiko “Ila” (Beb) Okada and sister-in-law, Kiyoko Yamada.  She was preceded in death by her brothers Sadamu, Teruo, Tomio and Masaru. 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 9, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton.  Friends may visit family Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Monday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the mortuary.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Loyda Tovar for her loving care and companionship, and to Silverado Hospice.  In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to the Salt Lake or Ogden Buddhist Temple or Silverado Hospice.