Yukiko (Yuki) Yamaguchi Larkin

 With grateful and heavy hearts we share the news that the remarkable life of Yukiko (Yuki) Yamaguchi Larkin has come to pass, leaving us peacefully with her daughter by her side at her home in Chatham in the early morning of April 15. Yuki was predeceased by her husband Colonel James A. Larkin in 1986 and leaves behind her daughter Theresa Maria Richards, son-in-law John R. Richards, step granddaughter Elisabeth (Lisa) M. Richards, all from Chatham, and countless friends near and far, both young and old, who have been indelibly impacted by her profound kindness, attentive ear, wise advice, and sincere curiosity about their lives and circumstances. 

 Yuki was born in Yamagata, Japan, on May 15, 1931, the eldest child of Yoshizo and Terue Yamaguchi, sister to two younger brothers who passed before her. Attending local schools in Yamagata and summering in Hokkaido, Yuki’s parents divorced when she was five, and she went on to live with her father. These were difficult childhood days as the country’s military focus began a dark time in Japan’s history. Yuki was ten years old on the fateful day of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, and her comfortable life changed dramatically in the midst of war time. 

 At age 16 she was schooled in floral arrangement, a lifelong passion in which she lectured and demonstrated for schools and clubs throughout her adult life. At age 18 her curiosity and ambition to do more with her life led her to Tokyo, and she attended Chuo University in 1949, graduating from its law school in 1957, where she studied criminal law with a focus in juvenile law. Yuki was the first female to graduate from the law school with a degree in criminal law. 

 Yuki went on to work at the United States Armed Forces Institute in Yokohama, where she met the director, the Irish Bostonian Army Colonel James A. Larkin. Raised a Buddhist, Yuki embraced Roman Catholicism, studying and converting her faith and marrying James in the Catholic Church in Tokyo. After the birth of their daughter Theresa in 1962, they left Japan in 1965 and relocated to Chicopee Falls, MA, where James continued his Army career as Director of Education at Westover Air Force Base. Yuki’s endearing spirit led to lifelong friendships in Chicopee Falls that remain strong to this day. 

 On February 23, 1970, James’ sixtieth birthday, the Larkins bought their home on Riverview Drive in Chatham and relocated there the following June, on the day James retired. New friendships were formed as the network of those impacted by Yuki’s loving spirit grew. Known as the home where the door was always open, James and Yuki fostered an environment where anyone was welcomed. Visitors from around the world would come to share in Yuki’s exquisite cooking, her listening ear and ability to understand and empathize, and her beautiful smile. When you spent time with Yuki, you felt lifted up and loved. 

 On June 7, 1976, with her Samurai heritage of loyalty and through the support of the Boston College Club of Cape Cod, where James was a founding member, Yuki took the Oath of Allegiance to America and became a U.S. citizen at the Barnstable County courthouse. Yuki’s educational background and experience included working with the University of Maryland Far East Division, but she chose to focus on her family and her faith. A devoted wife, mother, and Catholic, she attended Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham where she volunteered with the Association of the Sacred Hearts attending many “Happy Tuesdays” and helped orchestrate many summer church fairs, was a member of the Chatham Garden Club where she shared her artistic talents and knowledge of floral display, and volunteered at Cape Cod Hospital’s Surgical Day Care for 26 years. 

 The bond between Yuki and her daughter Theresa grew stronger upon the death of their beloved husband and father in 1986, and Yuki affectionately and proudly referred to them as “Mother/Daughter,” off on adventures or travelling together. Theirs was a unique relationship and model to many. Yuki was always included in joining adventures John provided and accompanied her family on seasonal trips to Vermont, Nova Scotia, and Belize, and she loved being a grandmother to Lisa. She had a sweet spot for the family dogs, Doc and Brandy. Yuki’s humility and quiet nature downplayed a woman of keen intellect and accomplishment. An avid reader, she loved mysteries and jigsaw puzzles, working in her garden, and preparing traditional Japanese meals to share with others. But mostly, she loved to listen and understood how to savor the small grace-filled moments that make up each day. A life well lived, those of us who knew Yuki are humbled and grateful for the example she led and all that she taught us. 

 In addition to Theresa, John, and Lisa, Yuki leaves loved ones including the Richards and Mundel families, nephew Stephen Larkin and memory of her late niece Marcia Larkin in Florida, and family and close friends in Japan.

 Heartfelt thanks to the many dear friends who remained connected throughout Yuki’s life, especially during her lengthy hospice stay at home, including Eva Japowicz and family; Monica Wieting, who delivered weekly communion; Holy Redeemer Women’s Club; Fr. John Koziol, Chicopee, MA; and Fr. John M. Sullivan, Holy Redeemer Church. Yuki’s family would like to express gratitude to VNA hospice and her devoted caregivers.

 Visitation will be on April 20, 4-7pm, at Nickerson Funeral Home, 87 Crowell Road, Chatham, and a Funeral Mass will be held on April 21, 10am, at Holy Redeemer Church, 57 Highland Avenue, Chatham. Burial will follow at Union Cemetery. Donations can be made to Holy Redeemer Church or the VNA Hospice of Cape Cod. In celebrating Yuki’s remarkable life, we invite you to wear bright and cheerful colors to the church service, just as we remember her.