Life History of Jean Chieko Furukawa

Jean Chieko Furukawa, née Izuo, was born on August 1, 1935, to Shurei and Mitsuko Izuo in Honolulu, Hawaii. The youngest of seven children, she was very responsible, pragmatic, nurturing, and positive even as a young child dealing with the challenges of being Japanese-American during WWII. Although her parents were Buddhist, they sent their three youngest children to Hawaiian Mission Academy (HMA), a Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) school. This decision had a profound impact on Jean as it introduced her to Christianity as well as some of her most treasured friends.

During her senior year, her brother Frankie was killed in the Korean War so she decided to stay at home and attend the University of Hawaii (UH) instead of going as planned to an SDA college in Northern California. This mindset of putting her family before herself came naturally to her and was apparent throughout her life.

Jean thrived at UH with her attractive personality and looks. While finishing up her business degree, she attended a Pan Am recruitment event: she impressed them so much that they agreed to hold the spot for her until she graduated in 1957. Being a stewardess not only satisfied her desire to travel the world but also resulted in a chance meeting with a dashing Air Force officer named Joseph Furukawa.

On September 9, 1961, Jean married Joe, trading in her wings for roots and moving to Japan to be a military wife. A year later they had Steven, then Susan 15 months later, and—after moving to Hawaii— eventually Sandra. The family moved to Gardena, California, when Joe decided to become a lawyer: he attended law school while working full-time and Jean took care of the kids and ran the household while taking jobs as a nighttime hospital clerk, then preschool teacher, then TRW manager.

Shortly after moving, Jean reconnected with HMA friends at LA Central Japanese-American SDA Church. The family got very involved with the church with Aunty Jean and Uncle Joe opening their hearts and home to their church ohana, especially the young people. Their generosity and hospitality were renowned and her cooking was legendary. Even now, decades later, people still rave about her salad and chocolate cake.

Unbeknownst to most people, Jean began showing signs of dementia in her late 50s. Slowly and subtly at first, Alzheimer’s took a toll on her memory and competency for over 30 years but her compassion and generosity remained until the end. She passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at the age of 90.

Predeceased by Joe, who passed in 2016, Jean is survived by her loving son Steven and wife Christine; daughter Susan and husband TJ, daughter Sandra and husband Chris; and her six beloved grandchildren—Hope, Joshua, Daniel and wife Regina, Ally, Zachary, and Davy.