Atsuko Kusuda
December 21, 1922 - April 22, 2020
Obituary
MADISON-Atsuko S. Kusuda, age 97, of Madison, passed away peacefully from congestive heart failure, with her loving family at her side, on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. She was born an American citizen on Dec. 21, 1922, in Lindsay, Calif.
During World War II, Atsuko and her family were uprooted from their farm in Lindsay, Calif. and taken to a Relocation Center in Jerome, Ark. because they were Americans of Japanese descent. This injustice did not result in bitterness or desperation, rather she found a way to pay forward the kindness that some had shown her while she was a student at the University of Missouri. That was her nature: strong, resilient, kind and gentle.
Atsuko received her Masters of Library Science degree from UW-Madison and became a librarian for Glendale Elementary and was the head librarian at Madison East High School. In retirement, one of her favorite volunteer activities was to help very young students learning to read. She encouraged them to discover the enjoyment that she had found in recreational book reading.
One of Atsuko's favorite prayers was the "Irish Blessing" and she lived her life metaphorically keeping the wind at her family's back and the rain gently falling on their fields. She held her family close, especially her five grandchildren who brought her so much joy.
Atsuko stayed physically active with Tai Chi, Balancing Act and an in-home Tuesday exercise session. After her husband of 65 years passed, she was able to live independently at home and enjoyed going to Manhattan Hair, the Pinney Branch Library and her church, Lake Edge United Church of Christ.
Atsuko was preceded in death by her parents; four of her seven siblings; and her beloved husband, Paul. She is survived by her three children, Misao (Dave) Michelfelder, Amy (Vance) Roh and James (Patricia) Kusuda; five grandchildren, Tony and Tyson Roh, Jenny and Ryan Michelfelder and Stephanie Kusuda; and her great-granddaughter, Mya Roh.
The family has planned a private burial and request that any memorials be given to one of Atsuko's favorite charities: the AAUW Monona-Madison, WI. (American Association of University Women) giving scholarships to local high school girls.
"Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present." Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
LC
Lynn Celley
Other •
I am so sorry to hear of Atsuko's passing. She was such a beautiful person and we will miss her.
SB
Susan Bethke
Other •
Atsuko was a wonderful, kind person. I have taken the Tai Chi balance class with her for many years. Our class will never be the same without her. She will be missed.
JG
Jonathan Gramling
Other •
Your mom was (and is) such a beautiful and gentle soul who was so very supportive of Heidi and me. I am eternally grateful to her and to Paul for their spiritual support of our publications. I will publish her obituary in our May 4th edition of The Capital City Hues in honor of her. I know she is in a better place and reunited with her beloved Paul. Be at peace! Jonathan Gramling
LS
Liz Swingen
Other •
Missy, Amy, Jim and your families. I just wanted to say how sorry I was to read about your mom. She was a joy to see each week. Such a soft spoken and sweet woman. Was always cute, when we had treats she never ate any but she would take one home for Paul. What an exceptional and extremely interesting couple to know. They will both be missed. I was blessed to have known them. Together again... forever.
MB
Mary Ellen (O’Connor) Bakken
Other •
Atsuko was such a valuable asset to Glendale School’s teachers and students for so many years. Her expertise in literacy and love of reading helped so many of our struggling readers. Her gentle, calming demeanor was so necessary in our energetic classrooms and hallways and a true model for us all. Her smiles radiated every time she entered Glendale’s front door. It was my pleasure to have worked with such a wonderful lady. A life well lived and loved!💕
CB
Cindy Biesenthal
Other •
Mrs. Kusuda's passion for literacy continued at Glendale for years. I saw her when she was reading with students as a volunteer. I met her when I was part of a first grade teaching team. She called to tell us she and Mr. Kusuda wanted to donate money to buy summer reading books for the students finishing first grade. She continued this for a number of years. We were grateful for her kindness and generosity. She left a beautiful legacy. My sympathies to family and friends.