Irene Marie Yamaguchi

Irene Yamaguchi, 73, of Oxnard, CA. left this earth to wake up in Paradise and be with her God and beloved husband, Mitsuru “George” Yamaguchi on December 12, 2024. Her parents Richard Bollen and Hattie Frances (Atwood) Sanders also preceded her in death.

Irene was quite the conversationalist.  She loved to talk of her experiences in epic detail.  A phone call could last hours, but was never boring.  It was said “she never met a stranger.”  She loved to sing.  She was very talented in floral design and created beautiful arrangements for weddings, and more than her share of memorials as well.  Her attention to details of individual flowers often put her in a rush, but she cared deeply to make the perfect presentation for every couple.  She carried this same love and care for others in all aspects of her life. 

Born in Van Nuys, California, Irene spent her childhood in Sylmar, California and loved her drill team days, as well as the plays from drama class at Sylmar High School. She then met George in 1968 while he was in the Air Force at Vandenberg AFB before his being sent to Greenland. They married on April 10, 1970. Although they were not blessed with their own children, so many children loved her as she did babysitting, and had foster children as well as 2nd cousin Rebecca Vivzcarra and Christopher Morales who lovingly cared for her in her final days.

She was a Christian from early in life and dedicated her life to Jehovah; serving her God alongside her husband in the various areas they lived: Panorama City, Desert Hot Springs, and finally in Oxnard. Her storytelling and her great smile will be greatly missed by her family and many lifelong friends.

She is survived by her sister Charlene A. Holt of Athens, Texas; brother, Eldon R. Sanders of Oregon City, Oregon; niece Dawn Segawa; nephew Ronnie Standridge, Jr. and family; aunts: Vera Jones of Valley Center, KS and Eurma Sperry of Pattonsburg, MO; plus numerous cousins.

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