From Debbi Moretti

When I was a young extremely shy young girl, I became friends with Cora, Setsuko’s wonderful daughter.  Cora invited me over to her house and I met both of her parents.  Setsuko and Joe made me feel both welcome and opened up the world to me.  Setsuko specifically invited me to dinners, played an instrument for me (which I don’t remember the name of the instrument), and wore beautiful kimonos some times.  To a shy young girl who didn’t know a lot about the world, I was fascinated.  But she also made me laugh and feel welcome whenever I was with her, no matter what the situation.  I was amazed that she left Japan and came to the United States with Joe and Cora and basically started over.  That took a lot of courage.  I didn’t think about it then but she was an amazing woman who never seemed to complain even when times were tough.  I admired her skill at sewing and was amazed at the clothes she made both for her family and the places she worked. We remained in touch for most of her life because her wonderful daughter is still my friend.  It is obvious that with all of her talents she also was a wonderful Mother to Cora (who is a wonderful person herself).  People come into your life and you don’t know the impact they will have on you.   Setsuko was always kind and accepted me as I was and thinking of her even now brings a smile to my face.  I am not the shy young girl anymore but I do know that having Setsuko in my life was a gift from God.  Thank God for people like her!