Yoshiko Hishitani Toler

Yoshiko Hishitani Toler, who was 94 years, 10 months old,   passed   away   abruptly on January 23, 2023, at   her daughter’s home in Mebane, NC. A  private  memorial service in  Morehead City is tentatively scheduled for April, 2023. Yoshiko   was   born   on   March   18,   1928,   to   Keikichi Hayakawa  and  Matsue  Hayakawa  in  Tokyo, Japan.   Her older brother was Hiroshi Hayakawa. Growing up in an era of male dominance and female discrimination, Yoshiko was basically coerced to attend a 15 month English trade school, with a specialty in banking after high school. In addition to Japanese, she was a fluent speaker in Chinese and English. With a badge of courage, strength and hope, Yoshiko permanently moved to the United States at the age of 29 with her husband and two daughters. She developed a vast number   of   meaningful   friendships   in   Carteret   County. Yoshiko will be remembered for her kind, generous and selfless spirit. Sincere   gratitude   to   Dr.   Cas   Cader   and   Dr.   Jeffrey Sparks for the quality medical care over the years. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in  Yoshiko’s   name   to   the   following   organization:   Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Attn: Bobbie Chapman, Philanthropy  Department,  8001  Redwood  Blvd,   Novato,CA 94945.