Betsy Sadako Gushikuma Towne

Betsy Sadako Gushikuma Towne, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend to many, passed away on Monday, Nov. 5, 2012, at Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet, Minn. Betsy was born on Sept. 18, 1932, in Hawi, Hawaii. After graduating from high school, she bravely came to Minnesota and attended Winona State College where she earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education. Betsy's first job was teaching physical education and science in Isle, Minn. It was here that she met and married her husband, Robert Towne, with whom she spent 57 loving years. Betsy returned to Winona State and earned her elementary education teaching certificate. Betsy and Bob spent time in Goodridge and Willow River. Upon moving to Carlton, Betsy taught fourth grade in Wrenshall, until she retired in 1990 after 27 years of teaching. Betsy was active in the Esko community, her home of 47 years, through Lion's Club, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, ADK sorority and the Esko Senior Citizens. She stayed busy in retirement by spending winters in Phoenix, Ariz., and summers at Lake Vermilion. She loved to travel, be with her family, watch her grandchildren's activities, and spend time with her many friends. Betsy's giving spirit, contagious smile and special laughter will be missed by many.

Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, Kami and Shuyu Gushikuma; and sisters, Sakayo Miyasato and Yoshie Nakama.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; son, Gary (Linda) of Cloquet; daughters, Annette (Steve) Cohen of The Woodlands, Texas, and Lani Towne of Rochester, Minn.; grandchildren, Logan and Bijou; sisters, Kiyoko Miyashiro of Wahiawa, Hawaii, and Naomi Yamamoto of Honolulu, Hawaii; brothers, Thomas (Tomiko) Gushikuma and Henry (Tomi) Gushikuma, both of Honolulu, David Gushikuma of New York and Edwin (Jenny) Gushikuma of Cleburne, Texas; and six nieces and nephews in Hawaii.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, in Atkins-Northland Funeral Home Chapel, 801 14th St., Cloquet. Visitation will continue Thursday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Esko. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Towne Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, Cloquet. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.

November 8, 2012 ~ Pine Journal, Cloquet, Minn.

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