Yoko Lewis

Yoko (Sato) Lewis, 90 years of age, died December 21, 2019. Yoko was a descendent of "The Samurai Tadanobu Sato", an elite warrior of the 12th Century (1180) and Commander to the very first Shogun, feudal warlord. Born in Kobe, Japan, on February 22, 1929, Yoko came to the United States as a Japanese war-bride. She met and fell in love with US Army Medic Cpl. Lawrence R. Lewis of Vicksburg, MI, while he was stationed there during the Korean conflict. They were married for 27 years and then divorced; he survives her. Yoko leaves to cherish her memory a daughter by that marriage, Linda Hartley (Daniel). Yoko was preceded in death by her infant child, Carol Lewis (4 days old), her parents, and 7 older brothers and 2 older sisters. The closest in age and relationship was her brother Tamehiro Sato (Kobe, Japan) and her sister Fusako Maskus (Crystal Falls, MI). Other survivors include adult nieces and nephews of the Lewis and Maskus families. A magnet to children and animals alike, Yoko flitted through life much like a butterfly. She was a kind, sweet, beautiful child of God with an ability to capture and warm one's heart unexpectedly. Regardless of whether this pleasant aspect was born out of her humble culture of origin, was a result of her tragedies of war and life, or was intended by her Creator to leave an impression on a sometimes impervious world, Yoko gave us a deeper glimpse into the mind. Bright and gentle in spirit, a lover of music and German shepherds, her shining eyes and sparkling smile were like a billboard. What she offered was an invitation to learn about life, love, trust and patience from someone whose condition would often eclipse such significance. This erratic path was a dance of survival between two worlds: reality and the illusionary world of schizophrenia. Yoko had a courageous yet sad story. However, with pharmacological advances she was able to manage a resigned life and find enjoyment in it. She was easy to love. She would want to be remembered-genuinely remembered-for her essence not her burden. As her daughter, I once wondered, "If I loved her enough and held her tightly, would it take this burden away?" It did not. My assurance is knowing that my mother is home and one day, everything wrong in this world will be made right through Jesus Christ our Lord. Isaiah 43:11- "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine," says the LORD. It is estimated that in the US this year, roughly 7 people in 1000 will be diagnosed with schizophrenia, please consider a memorial contribution in the honor of Yoko Lewis: National Alliance on Mental Illness [https://www.donate.NAMI.org]. Cremation has taken place. A graveside memorial will be announced this spring. Kindly visit Yoko's webpage and online guestbook [https://www.langelands.com] provided by Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 or mail expressions of sympathy to 7709 Innisbrook Dr, Portage, MI 49024.