Longtime Claremont residents married 56 years, died a month apart

On Saturday, December 5, 2020, Edward Johnson died of natural causes at his home at the age of 82. His death was followed by that of his wife, Tsuyako Yamabe Johnson, on New Year’s Eve at Country Villa Claremont, where she had been residing for the past year. She was 88.

Ed was born in Chicago to Roy and Corrine Johnson on October 12, 1938. Tsuyako was born March 25, 1932 to Iwao and Shige Yamabe in Okinawa, Japan. 

After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University, Mr. Johnson joined the U.S. Marines in May of 1961 and was deployed to Okinawa, where he met Ms. Yamabe. After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Japan and brought his future bride back to the United States, where they married.  

The now Mrs. Johnson settled into Claremont and worked for Xerox for many years. After his service with the Marine Corps, Mr. Johnson joined the National Guard and began a distinguished 30-year career with Allstate Insurance. 

After retiring, they spent their time between their homes in Claremont and Las Vegas. They loved to travel and took many cruises together, trips to Hawaii and enjoyed visiting their nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Japan. 

Mr. Johnson loved to swim, bike, walk, play cards and won many a game of ping pong and pickle ball. He was a friend to all in the communities in which he lived. He had a passion for the market and investing. His kind heart and joyful playful spirit will be missed.

Mrs. Johnson enjoyed water aerobics, quilting and playing nickel keno. 

The couple recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. The two of them were inseparable.

Mr. Johnson is survived by sisters-in-law Victoria Johnson and Yukiko Fukaboori (Shinya); nephews J. Scott Johnson (Kelly) and Hajime Fukaboori (Kiyoko); nieces Michelle Johnson Rose (Brian) and Yoko Tanaka (Hideyuki); great nieces and nephews Katie, Justin, Brandon, Jax, Corinne, Chisato and cousin Keith Haglund (Loretta).

He was preceded in death by his brother James W. Johnson. 

Mrs. Johnson is survived by sisters Yukiko Fukaboori (Shinya) and Ayako Fukabori (Shinji); brother Kenjji Yamabe (Yoriko); sister-in-law Victoria Johnson; nephews J. Scott Johnson (Kelly) and Hajime Fukaboori (Kiyoko), nieces Michelle Johnson Rose (Brian) and Yoko Tanaka (Hideyuki), great nieces and nephews Katie, Justin, Brandon, Jax, Corinne and Chisato. 

A family celebration will be planned for Summer 2021 when the family can gather, share memories and celebrate lives well lived.