Teruko Kusama

Teruko Kusama (née Horiuchi) passed away on November 20. She is predeceased by her husband, Hideo, daughter, Junko, sister, Emiko Sato, and brother, Yasuhiko Horiuchi. Teruko is survived by her daughter, Yoko Kusama; son-in-law, David Mosher; granddaughter, Alison Mosher; her two sisters, Setsuko Saito and Sadako Nagata; and nephews and nieces.

Teruko was born in Tokyo, Japan on February 28, 1926 to Sadaichi and Kazuko (née Akahane) Horiuchi, as one of five children. Her father was a prominent lawyer and became the first Japanese to be elected Grand Master of the Japan Grand Masonic Lodges. After her family’s permanent move to Yokohama as a small child, she attended Higashidai Dai-ichi Girls’ High school. She completed her college degree at Tsuda College after working for General Douglas MacArthur post World War II. Her time at Tsuda College was very special, and she forged life-long friendships with her classmates and teachers.

Teruko married Hideo Kusama, a graduate of Tokyo University Medical School, in 1955 and lived in Tokyo with their two daughters. After moving to the United States with her family in 1965, Teruko became very involved with Tsuda College Alumni Group in New York and was in charge of the group’s activities for almost 20 years. She returned to school to obtain a Master of Arts degree from SUNY Albany in 1975 and began teaching Japanese language in various schools including Skidmore College, Long Island University, Jericho High School, and Commack High School. After moving to Long Island, NY, she joined Long Island Nadeshiko-kai, a Japanese women’s group which promotes culture and fellowship and founded a sub-chapter, Chienowa-wa with two other fellow members.

Teruko cherished her granddaughter, Alison, and was extremely proud of her artistic and academic achievements. She surrounded her home with Alison’s artworks and loved to show visitors her granddaughter’s talents.