Emy Suzukawa Bruce was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 19th, 2011. Sweet memories and the promise of being with her someday in heaven bring peace to her family and friends.

Emy was born in Tokyo, Japan on March 13th, 1925 to Goichi and Motoko Suzukawa. She enjoyed ice skating and ballet as a young girl, and delighted in snow skiing and ballroom dancing well into her later years. During her lifetime, she found much enjoyment in traveling the world, sewing, and Japanese calligraphy.

Emy immigrated to the United States in the early 1950's and was adopted as an adult by Oscar and Mary Yoder. She was naturalized as a US citizen in 1954. She completed language studies in Tokyo and furthered her English studies at the University of New Mexico. She later used these skills in her career as a Japanese translator / interpreter for Battelle NW Labs, DOE, and the U.S. Dept. of State. She also taught Japanese Language courses at Columbia Basin Community College and enjoyed sharing her Japanese culture with them.

Emy was married to David Bruce from 1960 - 1980 and together raised their children Karen and Eric in Kennewick, WA. Backpacking and snow skiing trips are among the family's special memories. Emy was a Girl Scout Leader and Den Mother and received a Golden Acorn Award for her community service when the children were young. She was so proud of her daughter and son. She later experienced the great joy of being a grandma. Her children and grandchildren will truly miss their Mom and Nana.

Emy is survived by her daughter Karen Bruce, her husband Doug Johns, granddaughter Maria, grandsons, Emmitt, Wyitt, and Brayden all of Topeka, KS. She is also survived by her son Eric Bruce, wife, Julie, and granddaughter Kelly of Kennewick, WA.

A special thank you to family and friends for your prayers and support. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude for Emy's church family at Community Bible Church in Kennewick, and Bible Baptist Church in Everett, WA for their faithfulness in sharing Christ's love and hope with Emy. To nurse Carie Squires and family at The Squires Residence, our deepest thank you for the tenderness and kindness shown to Mom and our family during her brief hospice stay. To Nancy Sauer, a heartfelt thank you for adding to her quality of life with your weekly visits, walks and flower arrangements. Our appreciation to Meals On Wheels for their caring and help in aiding her independence.

A private family memorial was held 6/24/11 at her church. Mom would be honored by any contributions directed to: Community Bible Church 5807 W. Umatilla Ave Kennewick.