Thelma Takako Higuchi

Thelma Takako Higuchi, aged 101, of Adamstown, Maryland, peacefully departed from this life on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Buckingham’s Choice in Adamstown, MD. She was the beloved wife of the late Kiyoshi Higuchi, Ph.D.

Born on April 6, 1922, in Alviso, CA, Thelma was the third of seven children born to the late Suyekichi and Misao (Akasaka) Takeda.

 Thelma commenced her college journey at San Jose State University. However, in 1942, she was relocated to the Gila River Internment Camp. Subsequently, she contributed her services at the National Headquarters of the Japanese American Citizens League in Salt Lake City, UT. Thelma earned a B.A. in Commerce from San Jose State University in 1946. Her career path included roles as a legal secretary in San Francisco, CA, and as a civilian employed by the Dept. of the Army in Tokyo, Japan, and San Francisco, CA. In 1978, she obtained a realtor’s license, a profession she continued passionately into her 80s. Thelma had a deep love for traveling, business, and real estate.

 She is survived by her daughter, Annette James, and son-in-law, Eric, along with grandchildren Zoe and Evan of Ithaca, NY. Thelma is also survived by her brother, Edward Takeda of San Jose, CA. She was preceded in death by sisters Beverly Takeda and Sue Matsumura, and brothers Joe Takeda, Bill Takeda, and Herb Takeda.

 A service and inurnment honoring Thelma's life will be held in San Jose, CA, at a later date.