Yasuyo Kumitomo Moore, 92, of Fairfax Virginia passed away on June 4, 2021. She was born July 22, 1928, in Japan. In 1952 Ms. Moore emigrated to the United States and joined her husband Carlton Moore in Washington, DC. For several decades, Yasuyo worked as a seamstress at the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind in Washington, DC where she supported this charitable organization in creating countless fabric products. Yasuyo was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Moore. She was also preceded in death by Harry Kemper who was her longtime close companion with whom she lived until his passing in 1999. Harry’s children Deborah Kemper-Askin and Douglas Kemper remained close to Yasuyo as her adopted family. Yasuyo and Harry loved karaoke and produced many a tape and attended gatherings and parties with fellow karaoke lovers. Friends filled their home with karaoke machines, music and song.
An avid gardener, in her retirement Yasuyo turned the yard she shared with Harry into a lush Japanese garden and continued to expand it until moving to Reston to be close to Douglas and family. While in Reston, she continued using her green thumb and filled her apartment with cacti, bamboo and ivy. Yasuyo developed new friendships and often had grandson Brenden over to help with heavy lifting and with whom she shared many stories and her unique sense of humor. She also continued sewing projects including kimonos and knitted items for friends. In addition, her many ceramic bears and decorative dolls each wore a custom knitted and impeccably sized sweater designed by Yasuyo. After some health issues Yasuyo transitioned into long term care, first in Fairfax and then Dulles. Granddaughter Trina was especially devoted to Yasuyo and they became very close over the years. Trina visited her frequently, providing Yasuyo with favorite foods, yarn, and especially her friendship.
In later years Yasuyo enjoyed reading and writing haiku with Trina. She also spent much of her time knitting many beautiful scarves and hats for her friends and caregivers, and to donate to those in need. Yasuyo is survived and loved by Deborah and Daniel Askin, and their children Daniel, Trina, Deanna, and David. She is also survived and loved by Douglas and Deborah Remmers-Kemper, and their son Brenden Kemper.
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