Jean Ishii

Jean was born on September 15, 1930 to Yosakichi and Yaye Ishida. She was preceded in death by her husband William Ishii, her parents, and sisters Yoshiko, Taeko, Hide, Nobi and Setsuko. She is survived by her sister Hisa; children Katie, Dan, Mary (Pat, Ray and Tom (Betty); grandchildren Hilary, Benjamin, Rebekah, Takeo and Makoto and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was incarcerated during WWII with her family at the Minidoka concentration camp. Jean graduated from Garfield High School and went to the University of Washington where she studied to become a dietitian. An accomplished professional, Jean was the head dietitian at Maynard Hospital in Seattle before she retired to start her family.

Introduced to Bill by her best friend Mary Ishii, she and Bill married in 1959, Jean dedicated her life to her family and extended family. She liked nothing more than to have family over for dinner and holidays so they could enjoy her delicious cooking.

Jean was always busy, volunteering at her children's schools, driving her children to all of their games and practices, her volunteer activities, and working at Bill’s accounting office. Jean was the ultimate caregiver, always ready to help her family, friends and neighbors.

The family would like to thank the staff at Merrill Gardens in Renton for the outstanding care they provided Jean both during and after Covid.

A memorial service to celebrate Jean’s life will take place on June 19, 2025, 2pm, at Evergreen~Washelli Funeral Home (11111 Aurora Ave North.)

Remembrances may be made to the Japanese American National Museum, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Minidoka Pilgrimage, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Funeral Home ~ Lake View - Seattle, Washington