Charlene P. Ishida

Charlene Ishida (Char) Obituary

Charlene Ishida, 82, of Seattle, Washington, passed away April 12, 2026, at Kline Galland Senior Living and Care Services. 

Born August 21, 1943, in Seattle to Frank and Mary Woo, she attended Garfield High School (Class of 1961) and later earned her cosmetology license. She first married Larry Chung, with whom she had one son, Dennis. She later married Bud Ishida and lovingly welcomed his children—Michael, Kimberly, and Kenny— as her own. After graduation, Charlene moved to San Francisco, returning to Seattle a few years later to help care for her father. 

She worked at The Murphy Company, a swimming pool business where she was treated like family. When Charlene and Bud bought their first home, the company gifted them a pool— setting the stage for many joyful gatherings with family and friends. Charlene later worked alongside Bud in the wholesale gift industry, running a showroom at the Seattle Gift Center for more than 30 years. She went on to work at Pima Medical Institute, retiring in 2022 as a beloved administrative assistant. 

She cherished time with family and friends— on the golf course, out for walks, or going out for "coffee," her siblings' code for a trip to the casino. Though she joked she wasn't the best cook, she found great joy in preparing meals for her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Kihara (Ray); brothers Ying Woo and Michael Woo (Marie); children Michael Ishida (Elaine), Dennis Ishida (Eunie), Kimberly Woods (Dan), and Kenny Ishida (Jennifer); and grandchildren Brittney, Cody (Jill), Taylor, Kent, Kendal, and Brooklyn. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary Woo; sister Sheila Woo; sister-in-law Daisy Woo; and her husband, Bud Ishida. The family is deeply grateful to the friends and caregivers who brought comfort and joy to Charlene's final years at Kline Galland.

You are welcome to share memories, photos and condolences on the guestbook, located below.

Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home Lake View ~ Seattle, Washington.