Setsuko Tomiyama Sloan Obituary (1933 - 2020)

Setsuko Tomiyama Sloan, 87, of Caldwell, Idaho passed away on September 16, 2020 at West Valley Medical Center of natural causes. Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was born on January 23, 1933 in Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan to Kashun & Kiku Tomiyama. She was the youngest of three children: her sister, Aiko (Masau) of Sapporo, Japan; and her brother (status unknown). Setsuko was married to B.M. (Bud) Sloan on July 5, 1960, while Bud was stationed in Japan. Their marriage lasted almost 20 years. To their union, they were blessed with two children: Brenda Jean, December 3, 1961, in El Paso, Texas; and Paul Edward, born August 6, 1966 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She came to the United States in 1960, and loved this country. So much so that she became a United States citizen in 1970, participating in months of reading, tutoring, study, to be able to take a test as rigorous and taxing as the U.S. Citizenship test. Overcoming language barriers, and culture, to take the test in required English was a herculean effort. She passed the test on her first try. It was a monumental accomplishment, and a source of pride for her entire life. Setsuko would always say, "I am a United States Citizen first, Japanese second." She would only speak English in the home. Setsuko loved the mountains, reading, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends, whether it was those infamous Japanese luncheons or playing the card game Hanafuda. She was so obsessive about the "exactness" of her family's landscaping, that she would edge the lawn with Fiskers' paper scissors. It took her three days. When her neighbors would ask her why she didn't edge with a lawn trimmer, she said, "The grass edge is nicer with scissors." Setsuko was so proud of her three grandchildren, and attending almost all their activities, including baseball games, dance recitals/competitions, band concerts, etc. She also attended every baptism, missionary farewell/homecoming, marriage, church talks her grandchildren participated in. She loved her family, and they were the most important treasure in her life. Setsuko moved to Caldwell, ID from Denver, CO and lived with her daughter and her family for almost 21 years. We will miss her homemade fried rice. Setsuko was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved the Church, and the members she associated with. She was baptized at 76 years old. It was one of the happiest days of her life. She was a beloved member of the Caldwell 6th Ward. She was kind, thoughtful, giving, and personable. Everyone, wherever she went, loved Setsuko. She had a sweet, and radiant countenance that touched everyone who came in contact with her. She was always smiling. Her son-in-law, Gary, has said of Setsuko, "Setsuko is the most Christ-like person I have ever known. She is selfless, loving, kind, and gives of herself without hesitation." Setsuko was preceded in death by her mother and father, Kiku and Kashun Tomiyama, of Hokkaido, Japan; her sister, Aiko; her son, Paul (infant); her mother & father in-law Guy and Fay Sloan, of Mount Vernon, Texas. She is survived by her daughter Brenda (Gary) Shuey; her three grandchildren: Jarod (Kari) Shuey of Caldwell; Troy (Katy) Shuey of Caldwell; Cassandra (Ethan) Berg of Meridian; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 26, 2020 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3015 South Kimball Ave, Caldwell, Idaho with a viewing from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the services. Services and interment at Canyon Hill Cemetery are under the direction of Zeyer Funeral Chapel, Nampa. 208-467-7300.