Shizue Uemura Russo

In Loving Memory of
Shizue Uemura Russo
1924 – 2023

Shizue Uemura Russo, 98, a long-time resident of Colorado, passed away peacefully at her home in Aurora on Friday, January 13, 2023, just 3 and 1/2 weeks shy of her 99th birthday.

Shizue was born in Osaka, Japan on February 8, 1924, to Fusakichi Uemura and Tsuru Hirata. Following the death of her father in 1926, Shizue, who was the youngest of 7 children, was sent to live with her maternal grandmother while her mother worked to support the family. At age 16, amid the hardships of wartime Japan, Shizue found work as a runner at the Osaka Stock Exchange. After the end of World War II, Shizue met Joseph Russo, a US Army soldier who was part of the Allied Occupation. Shizue and Joseph eventually married and in 1952 travelled to Port Townsend, Washington, accompanied by their daughter, Margaret, who died in a tragic accident shortly after their arrival. Though devastated, Shizue and Joseph would find solace through the birth of Alexander a year later and through the births of Gary, Matthew and Cynthia over the next decade. The couple moved several times with the military before settling in a modest home in Aurora, Colorado near Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Joseph's last posting before his retirement in 1965. Joseph suffered a debilitating stroke not long after his retirement, and Shizue became his primary caregiver until his death in 1970. During this time, Shizue worked several jobs while continuing to care for her children.

Shizue was an active member of the Japanese-American community and a dedicated parishioner of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Aurora. She was a good listener, friend and mentor to many, especially the Japanese wives of US servicemen. She loved shopping for her children and grandchildren, socializing with friends, and watching NHK. She was a woman of courage, grit and selflessness, always putting the needs of others before her own. She is loved greatly and will remain in our hearts and memories.

Shizue is survived by her children Alexander (Joyce) Russo, Gary Russo, Matthew (Lorrie) Russo, and Cynthia (Thomas) Fallt; her grandchildren Anthony Russo, Hana (Clifford Ivester) Russo, Melissa Russo-Garcia (Joshua Russo-Garcia), Lindsay (Carey) Robinson, Jared (Maeve) Fallt, and Sela Fallt; and her great grandchildren Clifford and Matthew Ivester-Russo, Makoto Russo-Garcia, Hudson Robinson, and Arlo Fallt.