Higa, Yuriko, 83, of San Jose passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on July 12, 2013.

She was born in Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan on April 3, 1930.  Yuriko married Yoshio Higa, USAF, in 1956, and emigrated to the U.S. shortly thereafter. Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Yuriko was a generous, outgoing, warm and often hilarious woman. An exceptional cook, she spent the last weeks of her life planning a fabulous Fourth of July picnic for family and friends. The picnic did not take place, but the planning was a marvel — detailed, funny, brave, delicious — a tender memory to be cherished, always.

Yuriko is survived by her husband Yoshio Higa; daughters Susan (David) Hess and Coleen (Gerald Gray) Higa; grandchildren Sarah and Jason Hess; grandchildren Matthew and Rachel Gulbraa and their father Tony. She was also the loving mother of Michael Higa, who passed away at the young age of 14.

Yuriko will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 566 N. Fifth St., in San Jose.