Obituary of Mutsuko "Jackie" Teshima

Mutsuko “Jackie” Teshima was born on November 11, 1937 in Korea to Yoshio and Saki Kawashima. She grew up in Aomori Japan and was the youngest of six siblings. She attended local schools there and was a star basketball player on her high school team. She met Hubert Teshima when he was in the US Army and was stationed in Japan as an interpreter. They met on a blind date and when he got the chance to see Jackie playing basketball, that was it, he was smitten. They were married on May 14, 1956. She moved to the San Juan valley at 21 years of age and was not able to speak a word of English. This was the first of many challenges she faced. Jackie adapted well. She was outgoing, friendly and ran the household. She was everything he was not thereby forming a life long relationship. Jackie was especially proud to have passed the US citizenship test. She was a multitalented homemaker. Her interests included being an accomplished seamstress, ikebana flower arranger, athlete, cook and homemaker. She worked for Ferry Seed Morse Company for many years. She also was an avid fan of all of her kids sports activities. She attended a myriad of baseball, softball and football games from elementary through high school and was always there to pickup them up after their many practices. Finally, she loved her many trips to Hawaii, specifically Lanai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island as well as cruises to Alaska, Mexico and the Caribbean. It wasn’t so much the destinations as it was being surrounded by all her family. Her greatest joy was derived from being a wife, a mother, a Nana and a Great Nana to her four great grandchildren. Jackie is survived by her children Peter and Mark Teshima and Linda Ricketts as well as their spouses Lisa Strohman-Teshima, Kristine Teshima and Steve Ricketts. Grandchildren include Troy, Marques, Evan, Kyle and Trey Teshima, Aaron, Scott and Jason Ricketts as well as great grandchildren Rush, Peyton, Mataya and Elena Teshima. Jackie was preceded in passing by her husband Hubert as well as her parents Yoshio and Saki Kawashima, sisters Ko and Yoko and her brothers Hideo, Jun and Ginichi. The family would especially like to thank the caregivers at Merrill Gardens Monterey, Community Hospital of Monterey as well as Forest Hills Manor In Pacific Grove and Dr Susan Kubica. Their caring, dedication and professionalism were greatly appreciated. Jackie lived a full life filled with love, accomplishments, adventures, experiences, friends and family. She will be forever missed, but never forgotten. A private memorial service will be held at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home.