Mary Higashida passed away on Sept. 6,2009 after a short illness at Mount Nittany Medical Center one week before her 96th birthday.
The daughter of the late Setsujiro and Kiku Yamaski Uno, she was born on Sept. 13,1913 in Seattle, Wash., where she was raised. She had been a resident of State College since 1945, residing at the Greenhills Village Assisted Care Residence since Nov. 2007.
She spent many years doing various charities and community volunteer work such as Meals on Wheels; but her special love was working as a volunteer at the Mt. Nittany Medical Center even into her 90's. She was skilled in sewing, knitting, craftwork, and cooking. She also loved her huge collection of houseplants, particularly the unusual African Violet varieties.
She was predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Dr. Robert Rioichi Higashida, and a daughter, Mary Jane. She is survived by a brother Paul Uno, of Seattle, Wash.; and a sister Cora Fujiwara, of Adrian, Mich.; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Beverly and Kiyoaki Komoda, of East Windsor, N.J.; Roberta Lindsay of Devon, Pa.; Karen and Roger Hambro, of Algonquin, Ill.; six grandchildren, Paul Komoda, Daniel Komoda and his wife, Anita Fresolone, Kurt Komoda, Michael Lindsay, David Hambro and his wife Rosa, Lisa Hambro; and two great grandchildren, Gavin and Saige Komoda.
Visitation will be held Monday evening from 6-9 p.m. at the Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009 at the Grace Lutheran Church, 205 S. Garner St. State College with Rev. Larry Louder officiating. Interment will be at the Center County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mount Nittany Medical Center 1800 E. Park Ave., State College or the charity of your choice.