Lillian Etow, a longtime resident of Watsonville, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 10, 2018. She was 88.
Mrs. Etow was born Chiyoko Yoshizumi, the fourth and youngest child of sharecroppers, Heigoro and Tsuru Yoshizumi on June 16, 1929.
Mrs. Etow’s greatest joys in life were her grandchildren. She embodied the essence of “Grandma,” from baking amazing apple pies and turnovers from her own trees, making delicious home cooked meals to knitting and crocheting beautiful sweaters and blankets. She loved watching her grandsons play baseball, watching the San Francisco Giants, family and senior casino outings and gardening.
Mrs. Etow is survived by her brother, Harry Yoshizumi; sister, Florence Matsushita; son, Richard Etow; daughters, Carol Bayne and Julie Etow, Lisa Etow and Jennifer Etow Levy; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Shigeru Etow; sister, Kay Shimonishi; and one grandson.
Please share your memories, photographs and stories on the online guestbook; www.legacy.com/lillianetow. Private graveside services were held at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send donations Hospice of Santa Cruz County or to a charity of your choice. Mehl’s Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.
