Teruko Masterson

Teruko “Teddy” Masterson, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, March 12, 2012 at her home surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd, St. Joseph, with Pastor Greg Gordon officiating. Friends may call from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar Shores. Memorial contributions in honor of Teruko can be made either to Hospice at Home-St. Joseph or to the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to sign Teruko’s Memory Book on line may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Teruko was born March 1, 1928 in Tokyo, Japan to Suburo & Toe (Ecsawa) Misawa. She married the love of her life, James T. Masterson on November 28, 1954 in Tokyo, Japan. Together, they raised four daughters, Linda, Kathy, Teresa, and Joy. Teruko worked as a seamstress out of her home for many years, taking care of her many loyal customers. She enjoyed sewing, knitting crocheting, quilting and painting with watercolors. Most of all, Teruko cherished her family and friends. Teruko is survived by her daughters, Linda (Kraig) Smith of Oldsmar, FL, Kathy Fanti of Granger, IN, Teresa (Fred) Gerstenkorn of St. Joseph, and Joy (Ken) Carr of Gardnerville, NV; ten grandchildren, Alissa, Lindsey, Tessa, Michael, Megan, Jennifer, Jason, Juliann, Mika and Miranda; six great grandchildren, Alexi, Jacob, Mikayla, Teriana, Joshua, DJ & Hadley; sister Linda Henry of Houston, TX; brother Hideo (Kazuko) Misawa of Tokyo; brothers & sisters-in-law-Wayne (Dottie) Masterson of Bridgman, Bob (Carol) Masterson of St. Joseph, Pat (Bob) Spear of St. Joseph, and many nieces and nephews and close friends. Teruko was preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother Misu Misawa, her husband James T. Masterson on June 9, 2009, her granddaughter Jennifer Smith, and her great-granddaughter Tessia Davis.