In Memory of Misao Kurz
Misao Komino Kurz
Spouse: Phillip Kurz
Birthdate: October 18, 1964
Blessing: January 12, 1989
Seonghwa Ceremony: October 6, 2023
Misao was born to Toshikatsu and Yai Komino. Misao has a brother, Yasutero, and a sister, Keiko. Misao grew up in Japan and graduated high school. Like True Mother, Misao had a gift for drawing. But after joining the Unification Church, Misao did not pursue developing an artistic career. Instead Misao developed an heartistic life that has touched all who have had the privilege to know her.
Misao came to America as a missionary in 1987. She arrived in America the day before her matching to Phillip Kurz. In Japan and America Misao served on many Mobile Fundraising Teams (MFT). After her husband returned from Korea to his hometown in Milwaukee, Misao was assigned to Minnesota Family Church, where she served in witnessing and fundraising until she joined her husband in Wisconsin in 1993.
In the last thirty years, Misao and Phillip have been engaged in fulfilling the role of Tribal Messiahs. Misao has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to carry out God’s will. Her dedication to her husband is acclaimed by all who know her. As a colleague, friend, and evangelist, Misao has demonstrated many of the qualities listed by Solomon in Proverbs 31. She treated everyone with respect and exhibited patience, perseverance, and a beautiful heart to everyone who came within the radius of her smile. She always sought to encourage and raise people up.
In her twenty years of serving the Kenosha community selling flowers on weekends, Misao has been dubbed the “Flower Lady.” When it became cheaper to buy her flowers at a retail store rather than a distributor, the checkout clerks would ask, “What are you going to do with all those flowers?”
“Make people happy,” she would say.
Her fellow employees at a flower business called her sister, and she outstripped everyone in her speed and ability to display every bloom to its best advantage. Misao is deeply loved by all her husband’s family and is greatly admired and appreciated for the loving care she provided her parents-in-law for many years until they passed.
In the Cheon Bo providence in Wisconsin, Misao led the way in establishing Blessing Booths and manning them at Hmong New Year Festivals, Mexican Fest, County Fairs, and the Seven Mile Fair. Her hard work and excellent organizational skills enabled the Wisconsin community to move forward in their Tribal Messiah work. In addition, Misao provided loving outreach to many ACLC ministers in Wisconsin. On top of all the outreach work, Misao provided support to the Wisconsin family through serving as the church bookkeeper for twenty years.
Her request to all would be to pray at Cheong Shim Won. It is a testament to the value that Misao places on family that she requested all the immediate relatives be listed by name in this section:
Misao’s parents, Tashikatsu and Yoi Komino
Brother, Yasuteru, and his wife, Rie — Mayo and Sayo
Sister, Keiko, and her husband, Chiba — Takashi (Ayumi), and great nephews, Yosuke and Nephew
Noboru (Miyuki) and great nephews, Wataru and Ryo
Misao’s brothers-in-law:
Henry (Bonnie) — Julia, Melissa, Christina, Noah (Joshua), and Katie
Peter (Lori) — Peter Daniel, Christina, Natasha
Father Andrew Kurz — a Catholic priest
Joseph (Cecilia) — Rafael, Catrina, and Tereza Marie
Thomas (Jessica) — Samuel, Thomas Henry, Elise
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Friday October 6, 2023 at 10:00 AM CDT (Visitation is Thursday October 5 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM and Friday October 6 from 9:15 - 9:45 AM)
Location: Wisconsin Memorial Park (13235 W Capitol Dr, Brookfield, WI 53005)
Won Jon Service: immediately following Seonghwa Ceremony
Link if you’d like to join the service via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3323676681?pwd=MnZnaVFYUlJ5cWdhUWY4QzI4K1Nidz09
Meeting ID: 332 367 6681
Passcode: 123456
GoFundMe to support the family: https://gofund.me/f95cc4fa
In Memory of Vera Shandalala
Vera Shandalala
Children: Jodi, John, Inbok
Birthdate: June 19, 1942
Blessing: October 2, 1982
Ascension: September 19, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 29, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Friday September 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM EST
Location: Georgia True Family Community Center (3060 Bouldercrest Rd. Ellenwood, GA 3029)
Family’s address if you would like to send condolence cards:
3049 Lauren Parc Rd. Decatur, GA 30032
In Memory of Chansook Schwartz
Chansook Schwartz
Spouse: Robert Schwartz
Birthdate: January 22, 1956
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 21, 2023
Chansook Schwartz was born in Incheon, South Korea on January 22, 1956. She joined the Unification Church in 1975 when she was in high school. After high school, she worked in IlShin Suk Che (Marble Vase Company) until whe was matched to Robert Schwartz in 1978. After the matching, she went pioneering in Won Ju Church in Kang Won Do. In May of 1980, a marriage ceremony was held in Bon Bu Church (HQ Church). The minister was Yo Han Lee.
On October 14th, 1980 Chansook joined Robert in America. Upon arrival, she went fundraising with the KEA sisters in Chicago. After fundraising, she was recruited to work with Christina Barn to sell fur coats. On July 1st, 1982 Robert and Chansook were blessed at Madison Square Garden.
Robert and Chansook lived in the New Yorker Hotel for several years before moving to Westchester County, within walking distance of East Garden. In Irvington, Chansook and Robert raised 7 children. She helped to take care of Yun Ah Nim and Hyo-Jin Nim’s children in East Garden. She was constantly on call to make spiritual conditions for True Family.
On November 17th, 2007 Chansook and her family moved to Oakland, California where she has been a dedicated church member.
In 2015, Chansook and Robert became a Cheon Il Guk couple (CIG owner award), and on October 10th of 2020, Chansook and Robert became a Chun Bo Couple.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Thursday September 21, 2023 at 7:00 PM PST
Location: Bay Area Family Church (2305 Washington Avenue San Leandro, CA 94577)
If you would like to send flowers, please contact a local florist to send flowers to:
Bay Area Family Church (2305 Washington Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577) by Thursday afternoon
For recommendations, please contact Jaemon Schwartz (510-693-46776)
For online donations, please contact:
English: Borami Schwartz (510-586-8930 or boramischwartz@gmail.com)
Korean: Kang SooYeon (+81 080-3407-3031 or kansooyeon6023@gmail.com)
For donations by check, please address checks to “Robert Schwartz” @ 14700 Washington Avenue, Apt 119, San Leandro CA 94578
In Memory of Patricia Piorkowski
Patricia Hannan Piorkowski
Spouse: Zachary Piorkowski
Children: Carl, Martin, and Peter
Birthdate: August 31, 1930
Blessing: February 8, 1975
Ascension: September 9, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 18, 2023
Patricia Hannan Piorkowski was born August 31, 1930 in Bayonne, Hudson, NJ. Growing up in a Roman Catholic family made Pat spiritually sensitive, and through her love for Jesus she felt drawn to a life of devotion. In 1948, at the age of 18, she became a Trinitarian nun and took the name Sister Rose. She worked primarily with young people in multiple locations in the eastern U.S.
After 21 years she felt that the Holy Spirit was not active any more in her convent life, and she left to find what new path God had opened for her. In 1970 she met Joe Stein in their graduate education class at the University of Rochester. Joe felt strongly that he should witness to her. Wayne Miller taught her Divine Principle—and although Pat was 20 years older than Wayne and much better versed in theology, when Pat heard just the key points of Principle from Young Oon Kim’s red book, she responded saying, “It’s true, and this is the way I must go.” Pat was always obedient to God’s will. Her first mission was helping Joe and Wayne care for a guest who came to their small center, showing them a motherly heart.
In 1971 Pat moved to Upshur House in Washington, DC, where she met True Parents for the first time when they arrived to begin their ministry in America on December 18, 1971. Being an elder both physically and spiritually, she was asked to help serve True Parents. Pat was later assigned to be an itinerant worker, visiting church centers in the U.S. as a counselor in addition to supporting the national HQ.
In 1975 she was matched and blessed by True Parents to Zachary Piorkowski, a former priest, in the 1800 couple blessing in Korea. They began their family life as missionaries to Argentina, where with God’s help they established a national spiritual and financial foundation that thrives to this day. During this time they adopted two orphan boys, Martin and Carl Poblete.
In 1980 Father Moon commissioned Pat and Zach to establish a business raising chinchillas in the U.S., duplicating a venture they had developed earlier in Argentina. After four years operating a chinchilla ranch in the California Sierras, they relocated to the East Coast.
In 1988 the love of God provided them with their third son, Peter. Several years later the family moved to Zach’s hometown in Connecticut to care for his mother. After 8 years there, they all returned to the Washington, DC area, where Pat worked at the World & I magazine as assistant to the director, Mr. Dong Moon Joo.
After Zach’s death in 2006, Pat lived with several families in Maryland, until Peter returned to the area to start an online business. She was an ongoing source of guidance in living a life of faith for numerous members, who recall her warm heart.
Always keeping in touch with what True Parents were doing, Pat was a continuous “prayer warrior” behind the scenes. She always considered that her first and primary mission was being a Blessed Wife and Daughter of God.
Patricia ascended to the eternal world on September 9, 2023, and is survived by her three sons, Carl, Martin, and Peter.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Monday September 18, 2023 at 10:00 AM EST (Visitation starts at 9:30 AM)
Location: Beall Funeral Home (6512 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20715)
Wonjeon Burial will start at 1:00 PM
Location: Ft. Lincoln Cemetery (8401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722)
A reception will follow at The Washington Times Building from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The Seonghwa will be livestreamed on Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/618147675
Zoom ID: 618 147 675
Passcode 2027
In Memory of Diane Drucker
Diane Drucker
Spouse: Neal Drucker
Children: Jonathan, Keren
Birthdate: March 31, 1947
Blessing: February 8, 1975
Ascension: August 8, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: September 6, 2023
Diane Frink Drucker was born on March 31, 1947.
In 1967, Diane visited the church center in Washington, DC with her spiritual father, David Flores. Diane had an intelligent face and beautiful eyes. Her smile, though restrained at first, was genuine when one lured it out of her. She studied the Principle with an earnestness and a sincerity that showed her reverence for the words and her realization that this was now her way of life.
In 1972 Diane became one of the 70 missionaries traveling with True Parents in preparation for the first Day of Hope Seven Cities Tour. Although it was a bitter winter, the worst to date in New York City history, she went out with a will to find people that would purchase tickets for $18.00 to listen to True Father speak for three days at Alice Tully Hall, a part of Lincoln Center. No one had heard of Reverend Moon in those days, and spending eighteen dollars was the 2023 equivalent of spending almost $150. With the Vietnam War still raging overseas, no one was really interested in an Asian speaker. One had to sell tickets for all three days; there could be no sale of a single ticket. Who would pay that much for a ticket, and who would be the first to convince someone to do so? Day after day, the seventy pioneers went out, with no one managing to sell a single ticket.
It was Diane that brought home the very first ticket sale. Rev. David Kim dubbed her the “Lady General” because she had broken through and commanded the spirit world to touch the hearts of New Yorkers. After her victory, nearly everyone managed to make a sale. By the end of the campaign, the hall was full.
At the inaugural program at Alice Tully Hall and for the rest of that tour, Diane sang with the Remmel Chorus, under the baton of Randolph Remmel, director and arranger. She traveled on the original International One World Crusade tour, and again sang with the choir for the second tour, beginning at Carnegie Hall in New York.
In 1975, Diane was Blessed in marriage to Neal Drucker as a part of the 1800 Holy Blessing in 1975. Upon her return to America, she attended the Hundred Day training session for overseas missionaries and was selected to serve as a missionary in Sudan. However, that country was soon overwhelmed with conflict, and she was forced to flee for her life. She then joined her husband in Israel, where he was serving as a missionary. The two of them established a business and found many converts.
Diane and Neal eventually returned to the US and began their work in Kodiak, AK with the fishing business. Later, they moved to Washington State and had been living there since.
Diane is survived by her husband, Neal; her son, Jonathan; daughter, Keren; and two granddaughters.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Wednesday September 6, 2023 at 1:00 PM PST
Location: 5230 South Mullen St, Tacoma WA 98409
Zoom link for the livestreamed service: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/251525455
Passcode: 2020
In Memory of Hideko Lewis
Hideko Lewis
Spouse: Richard Lewis
Birthdate: July 17, 1943
Blessing: October 14, 2009
Ascension: August 22, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: August 26, 2023
Hideko was born in Sendai, Japan on July 17, 1943. Her father was in the Japanese army and died in World War II. Her mother later remarried and soon Hideko had a step-brother.
She met the Unification church when witnessed to by Daikan in Tokyo in 1963 while she was working with NHK TV as an Ikebana expert doing floral designs. Later, Hideko was a high school teacher in Tokyo instructing teenagers in the Japanese language.
Hideko was in a bad car accident at the age of 22 and was beaten by a Communist when she participated in an anti-communist rally held by the church. Both left scars with a deaf left ear and a troublesome pelvis. But she persevered.
She was introduced to Richard Lewis by Mr. Otani at a lecture Richard gave at the annual Unification Thought symposium in Tokyo, 2008. They were Blessed in marriage by Reverend and Dr. Moon via livestream in Tokyo on October 14, 2009.
In 2011 Hideko moved to the United States, and the couple eventually settled in Nutley, NJ and became active members of the Clifton Church.
She is survived by her husband, Richard, and stepson, Benjamin.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 9:00 AM EST (Viewing is on Friday, August 25 at 7:00 PM EST)
Location: Clifton Church, 78 Demott Ave Clifton NJ 07011
You can support her family at: https://gofund.me/ff9d8c4c
Condolences can be sent to the family at:
440 Centre St, Nutley NJ 07110
In Memory of Mark Vogenthaler
Mark Vogenthaler
Spouse: Keiko Sato
Children: James, Thomas, Amy
Birthdate: July 9, 1956
Blessing: 1989
Ascension: August 6, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: August 15, 2023
Mark Vogenthaler was born in July of 1956 in Denver, Colorado. He grew up in an adoptive family along with his sister, Janet. In 1977, Mark was traveling in San Francisco and met Leona Didsbury, who introduced him to the Unified Family. Soon enough, he had joined the Unification Church as an active member.
Mark supported witnessing and fundraising activities in Oakland and was the first to introduce foil laser prints. He later joined Leona and her husband in Flushing, Queens, where he participated in Home Church activities.
In 1983, Mark returned to his hometown of Denver and was involved in business activities before being blessed in marriage to his wife, Keiko Sato in 1989.
During Father Moon’s 50 state tour in 2001, Mark traveled to all multiple states to record True Father’s informal speeches to members. Mark and Keiko have continued to faithfully support church activities in the Denver area until the present day.
Mark was always there at church events, and he was always the first one to ask questions. He never seemed to run out of questions and was always searching for the truth. He longed to see our daily practices match up with our ideals, and he never forgot the original heart of God he experienced when he first joined the movement.
Mark is survived by his wife, Keiko; his sons, James and Thomas; his daughter, Amy; and his grandson, Atticus.
A reflection from Mark and Keiko’s older son, James:
“Our dad had a great passion for life, his family, and so many things. He was always there whenever life would happen. In fact, he made a point of being there especially when life happened. He got our family through any hardship that came our way. Our father was deeply sentimental and always made sure to bring our family together for every occasion he could. He loved family dinners and gatherings more than anything. He would always find any reason to celebrate even the smallest of accomplishments we had. He made the best barbeque, and he loved cooking for anyone who would ask. There were so many things we loved about our father even with his shortcomings. But most of all, he never stopped trying. He never stopped wanting to do more for us whenever he could and was always looking for ways to contribute or be part of our lives, no matter how big or small. Now it's our turn to do everything we can to honor our father and the legacy of love he left for us.”
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 10:00 AM
Location: Colorado Family Church (3418 W. 14th Ave, Denver, CO 80204)
The Wonjeon ceremony will be immediately after the service
Location: Foothills Gardens of Memory (14241 N 107th St, Longmont, CO 80504)
GoFundMe page to support the family for plot and burial costs: https://www.gofundme.com/f/vogenthaler-fundraiser
In Memory of Patricia Detlefsen
Patricia Louise Detlefsen
Spouse: George Detlefsen
Children: Nathanael, Shinghi
Birthdate: May 16, 1951
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: June 10, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: June 17, 2023
Patricia Detlefsen was born on May 16, 1951 in Tourcoing, France. She was the youngest in her small family, with one older brother, Serge, and her parents, Serge and Françoise. The death of Pat’s beloved mother when she was 13 had a profoundly saddening impact on her life and sent her on a lifelong quest of healing.
Pat began this quest with psychology, and she went on to receive her Masters and D.E.S.S. of clinical psychology and psychopathology in 1976 at the University of Lille in France. She interned in psychiatric hospitals and worked for three years as a psychologist. Though she found some solace in psychology, her heart still felt numb and blocked.
On January 1, 1978, guided by Colette Takigawa, Pat joined the Unification Church. It was from the teachings of the Reverend and Mrs. Moon that she found deep meaning, grace, truth, and community through the original blueprint that they taught and substantiated.
As a counselor, Pat was a pioneer for psychology within the Unification Church. Her methods brought together the practical aspects of modern psychology, the deeply spiritual teachings of Rev. and Mrs. Moon, Qigong, Jin Shin Jyutsu, sound healing, and more. Through this, Pat guided many to understand that every one of our lives is divine and has infinite potential. She saw the challenges we each face as representing the culmination of generational patterns and baggage. Pat was adamant that the process of one’s healing journey could not be disconnected from restoring the past. What was clear for Pat was that her quest would not only serve herself but others as well, opening the way for healing for those who needed help finding their way home. Her methods weren’t just theoretical. She put them into practice in her own life and watched them bear fruits in the lives of many others—fruit which will continue on for generations.
Pat was matched and blessed by Rev. Moon to Dr. George Detlefsen in 1982. They settled in the Bay Area, California and had two children, Nathanael and Shinghi. Pat also welcomed her stepson, August as a part of her family. In 2001, Dr. George was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and passed on at the age of 61 in 2005. Pat was then tasked with raising two teenage sons as a single mother—and it wasn’t easy. But she grew her heart, and so did they. Pat was able to witness the beautiful marriages of all her boys: August and Catherine, Nathanael and Sandra, and Shinghi and Junghwa.
Pat was a woman of deep substance. There was no small talk with her, only deep talk. If you sat next to her on the plane, lived next to her, drove her in an Uber, nursed her in the hospital, or even was the janitor for her hospital room, she wanted to know you—and know you deeply. She unabashedly shared the teachings of Rev. and Mrs. Moon to everyone that she would connect with, not to proselytize, but because she knew it represented a real path to healing—something we could all use a little more of.
Pat’s ability to make deep connections brought her around the world. She worked with the Women's Federation for World Peace and traveled to Niger, Africa with her dear friend Haoua Diatta, the wife of the Ambassador to the U.S. for Niger. Here they developed the Ox Cart Project, bringing microloans to women in villages to buy ox carts and build small businesses.
In 2020, Pat moved to Seattle to be closer to her grandchildren. It was here that she completed and concluded her quest of healing. She wrote: "Finally I realized that my grandchildren are allowing a tremendous healing to take place for me with their total and unconditional acceptance of who I am—loving it, giving me the freedom to be me…"
Pat is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Nathanael Detlefsen and Sandra Detlefsen; son and daughter-in-law, Shinghi Detlefsen and Junghwa Detlefsen, and their sons Leon, Alden, and Wynn.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday June 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM PST
Location: Bay Area Family Church (2305 Washington Avenue, San Leandro CA 94577)
Won Jeon Ceremony: Friday June 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM PST at Fort Lincoln Cemetery
To send flowers, please contact: Monika Kellett (friend and florist) on Facebook or by text at 510-853-1703
In Memory of Jan Parker
Jan Parker
Spouse: Sawako Parker
Children: Karen, Daniel, Michael
Birthdate: June 5, 1941
Blessing: August 26, 2004
Ascension: March, 30, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: April 16, 2023
Jan Eric Parker was born in 1941 in Southport Lancashire, England to an English father and a Danish mother. Jan had an idealistic childhood spent between England and Denmark, surrounded by big families with strong traditions. Jan had his first art show of humorous pen and watercolor drawings at the age of 15 in the park of Hampstead Heath, London. Jan went on to art school to develop his natural ability, and for the next 12 years he was a professional illustrator. He worked with a variety of well-known publications on cartoons, book illustrations, and movie sets in England and Denmark.
In 1969 Jan was introduced to the Unification Church through a healing center his father had opened and operated in London. Jan passionately and enthusiastically joined the church, and for the next 10 years worked with the Unification movement throughout the United Kingdom. For a period of time, Jan was the national leader of the Unification Church in the United Kingdom, until he was asked by Father Moon to recruit a band of artists and go to America for a special project.
In 1980 Jan and a couple close artist friends arrived in New York at the New Yorker Hotel to create a large-scale biblical art mural installation at the request of Father Moon. Father Moon fondly referred to Jan as the English Artist.
In search of inspiration and moved by the novel and movie, Hawaii, Jan and his family—with the blessing and support of Father Moon—moved to the beautiful islands of Hawaii in 1985 so he could focus on and develop his art career.
For the last 38 years in the majestic, powerful, peaceful serenity of the Hawaiian islands, Jan has been successfully painting and creating works of art inspired by and in honor of True Parents and our Heavenly Parent, developing a “new visual language of true love.” Jan’s art work is displayed on almost all the walls at King & Queen Garden in Kona, Hawaii. His paintings also can be found in many parts of the world, especially in Japan.
Sun Jin Moon expressed her thoughts of Jan in a recent poem:
Immortalizing Him in each stroke
True Beauty, you captured from your soul
Releasing the vision of our Creator to us all
Was your inspired luminous goal
Jan passed peacefully in Hawaii with the feeling that he had led a life full of love, joy, wonder, and knowing he did his best while here on earth to contribute to a new beginning for humanity by following and supporting Father and Mother Moon.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 9:00 AM Hawaii Time (12:00 PM PT, 3:00 PM ET)
Location: Kona Family Church (75-1048 Henry Street, Kailua Kona, HI 96740)
The ceremony will be streamed live on zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82517396509?pwd=Wm5nNGpvaUl5WlJ6dzdWNVBDSjc3QT09
Meeting ID: 825 1739 6509
Passcode: 211785
Donations:
Send by Paypal: chuckfrumin@gmail.com
Or mail check to Sawako Parker (address below)
If you wish to send Flowers: contact Rev. Chuck Frumin at chuckfrumin@gmail.com
Cards and condolences can be sent to the family at:
Sawako Parker
P.O. Box 5412
Kailua Kona, HI 96745
In Memory of Yaeko Echevarria
Mrs. Yaeko Echevarria
Spouse: Dimas Echavarria
Children: Alicia Echevarria
Birthdate: April 13, 1953
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: March 12, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: April 7, 2023
Yaeko Shibata Echevarria was born in Hamamatsu, Japan in the Shizuoka prefecture to Yoshiko and Tomoichi Shibata, who owned and managed a local textile company in her town. She joined the Unification movement in Tokyo in 1974.
Her husband, Dimas Echevarria, shares his memories of their life together:
We were matched and blessed in 1982 at the New Yorker Hotel. We worked together for Saeilo Machinery Sales Department New York for many years after MFT and UC activities. From the moment I saw her when True Father introduced me to her at 26 years of age in the New Yorker, I was in love. When Father matched us he pulled me by my shirt and pulled her very tenderly toward me with such love and a huge smile on his face. Yaeko was an amazingly loving and kind soul. She truly had an unconditional heart of love and forgiveness.
She gave birth to our daughter, Alicia Yukie Echevarria, on March 24, 1991.
Yaeko survived a hard and tough battle with colon cancer for a few years before Covid-19 infected our world. Yet amazingly enough she never caught Covid-19 and stayed strong. We were told that cancer did not metastasize into her body, but unfortunately, years later it did. We found out she had developed lung cancer during a routine check-up. After a brave and very tough battle from complications due to lung cancer surgery, Yaeko ascended to Heaven surrounded by her family and friends on March 12, 2023.
She will be laid to rest next to my mother, Irene Rivera Echevarria, in the Forest Lawn cemetery in Covina, California.
She was my air, she was my world, she was my life. I can honestly and passionately say from the bottom of my heart and soul, that Yaeko was my Grandmother, Mother, Sister, Wife, and my best friend.
Until we meet in the Kingdom of God in Heaven, I and Alicia will deeply and truly miss her every second, minute, and hour of every day of our lives.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Friday April 7, 2023 at 9:30 AM (There will be no viewing ceremony)
Location: Forest Lawn Covina Hills (21300 Via Verde Drive Covina, CA 91724)
Won Jeon Ceremony (burial) will follow immediately after the Seonghwa Ceremony.
To Send a Contribution
Checks payable to "Dimas Echevarria", mail to: 325 S. Almansor St., #35, Alhambra, CA 91801
GoFundMe to support Yaeko’s family and funeral expenses: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-yaeko-echevarria
To Send Flowers
If you wish to send flowers to the Seonghwa Ceremony, please arrange it with a florist of your choice. Please tell your florist the above information of Seonghwa Ceremony venue, including date and time. Forest Lawn has its own florist.
Service information page on Mortuary’s website: https://sgo.forestlawn.com/?search=1&sradio=service&fname=&slast=ECHEVARRIA#sgo_results
In Memory of Marilyn Eaton
Marilyn Eaton
Birthdate: January 7, 1954
Ascension: February 23, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: February 26, 2023
Marilyn was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to Frank and Mary Eaton. She had three siblings: Bob, Virginia, and Willy. When she was two, her family moved to Hazardville, Connecticut. She attended high school and a Catholic Church there.
She studied at the University of Connecticut, earning a Liberal Arts Degree with a specialty in pottery. During her senior year she met the Unification Church. She earned a Masters in Religious Ed at Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, New York in 1981.
Upon graduating she went on to serve as a Unification Church Missionary in England and Germany. In 1985 she returned to the U.S. taking up residence in Atlanta, Georgia. Marilyn’s heart of love and service shone brightly as she supported The Interdenominational Conferences for Clergy (ICC), a God-inspired vision and mission of Rev. Moon in fostering unity among Christianity. Marilyn helped with planning and care of clergy and guests. Members and leaders recognized her as an invaluable secretary and VIP-Care Staff Representative. She was humble, gracious, and had an unwavering dedication to her mission; she helped make the conferences a remarkable success!
Marilyn moved to Minnesota in 2015 and lived at the home of Bruce and Sachiko Johnson. Together they served the Minnesota Family Church Community. All were part of the choir, an activity that Marilyn loved singing as an alto.
She soon started working a full time position at Walmart as a customer service representative. Even though she was soft-spoken, Marilyn often took on the hardest job no one else wanted. To her it was just a way to expand her heart and serve all types of people.
From 2019 to 2022, Marilyn became a live-in-house sorority mom at the University of Minnesota campus. It was during this time that Marilyn experienced more of the painful parental heart of God, all the while maintaining her then part-time customer service position at Walmart.
Throughout her entire residence in Minnesota, Marilyn graciously served and supported the Minnesota Family Church. She dedicated her time to church events, often transporting members who needed rides to church and other errands. She was always ready to lend a comforting ear over coffee after church services.
For the past year, Marilyn was a dedicated member to an Online Holy Community of church sisters who met weekly to pray, study God’s words, and deepen their relationship as sisters. During the weekly meetings, Marilyn displayed such a comforting heart of humility, grace, timely wisdom, and love. Her presence will be greatly missed.
As Marilyn begins her spiritual journey to the eternal homeland with our Heavenly Parent, she will be uplifted and accompanied with abundant prayers and remembrances of her heartfelt life of love and service by her family, friends, and the Minnesota and Georgia communities.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Sunday February 26, 2023 at 5:00 PM CST
Location: Minnesota Family Church (3836 NE Stinson Blvd, Columbia Heights, MN 55421)
The viewing will be broadcast at 3:00 PM CST on Monday, February 27 from the funeral home.
If you’d like to send flowers, please contact information Rev. Ha at 651-226-7938.
GoFundMe to support her family: https://gofund.me/d6a76e69
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/508018905?pwd=TzNkUCtEOFdxZEVrK2oyditpZ1Rydz09
Meeting ID: 508 018 905
Passcode: 2020
In Memory of Juan Morales
Rev. Juan Morales
Spouse: Eliza Ferreira
Birthdate: May 27, 1949
Blessing: September 7, 2017
Ascension: February 3, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: February 25, 2023
Juan Morales was born on May 27, 1949 in Copala, Guerrero, a southwestern region in Mexico. When he was living in New York, Rev. Morales had a job as an actor and had a pretty good life as a young man.
When he was young, his grandfather told him in a dream to meet with True Parents. Having never heard of the term "True Parents” before, Rev. Morales started searching in scriptures, reading the bible countless times and asking scholars for help but with no success. Rev. Morales eventually made an altar in his room, where he offered all his possessions and asked God for guidance. Still, nothing happened. One day while walking in Manhattan, he was approached by a young woman and was invited to a seminar. During the seminar, he was astonished to hear the term “True Parents” that he had been looking for. He was overjoyed knowing his prayers were heard, and he left his past behind and joined the Unification movement.
Rev. Morales worked as a full-time missionary in New York and many other cities. During the last few years of his life, he dedicated himself to taking care of Camp Mozumdar, teaching the Divine Principle, and actively outreaching in Crestline, California. His strong faith in God and True Parents, his love and compassion for all people as his own brothers and sisters, and his burning desire for delivering God’s word touched many people’s lives.
Rev. Juan Morales passed away on February 3, 2023 at 9:18 AM in Camp Mozumdar.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM
Location: Los Angeles Family Church (2301 Findlay Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754)
To Send a Contribution
Checks payable to "HSA-UWC," with the memo “for Rev. Morales” mailed to 950 Holly Vista Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105
GoFundMe organized by Minister Duncan: https://www.gofundme.com/f/3a9er-donate-to-help-rev-juan-morales
To Send Flowers
If you wish to send flowers to the Seonghwa Ceremony, please arrange it with the florist of your choice. Recommended delivery time is 10:00 - 10:30 AM on February 25 to Los Angeles Family Church (2301 Findlay Ave, Monterey Park, CA 91754).
Contact person at the church: Shoko (626) 826-0677.
Some nearby florists are:
Monterey Park Florist, (626) 280-6800
CPS Flowers, (626) 574-5677
Maxim Flower & Gifts, (626) 281-8323
In Memory of Yasushi Sakai
Yasushi Philip Sakai
Spouse: Kyoko Sakai
Children: Michinari (Chiharu)
Birthdate: November 16, 1948
Ascension: February 8, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: February 13, 2023
Yasushi Philip Sakai (堺安司) was born in Sougawa, Miyama Village in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan in 1948. While attending College near his hometown—in the backdrop of an immense wave of Communist influence spreading across Japan and the world—he recognized the danger of the Communist ideology. He began searching for answers, which eventually lead him to the Movement in 1969. In 1972, Rev. Sakai came to the United States as a missionary to support the success of a series of speaking tours by our True Father, the Rev. Sun Myung Moon.
Once Rev. Sakai was introduced to the Divine Principle, he spent his life studying, witnessing, and teaching about its saving grace. For decades, he taught for the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles (CARP) and Family Federation (FFWPU) on campuses in Japan, New York, California, and Hawaii. His impact is felt by very many.
The last 30 years of his life was spent in Hawaii, with the majority of his public service devoted to witnessing and the education of members and youth. He did extensive research about Jesus Christ in the Bible and the Spirit World. He had a passionate love for Jesus and said that understanding Jesus’ life and heart was the key to correctly understanding the second coming and True Parents. Rev. Sakai taught that Jesus’ personal life can be summarized by Matthew 8:20, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” He also taught that although Jesus’ physical life was 33 years, in actuality, Jesus’ victorious life on Earth spanned only the final few minutes at the cross, where Jesus said, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” (Matthew 27:46), and forgave His persecutors with the words, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). There Jesus won his sole faithful disciple, the thief on the right who gave his heart to Jesus saying, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). And Jesus replied, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:34). This was Jesus’ victory.
Rev. Sakai always talked about the importance of studying page 175 (page 271 in the Japanese version) of the Divine Principle, “Introduction to Restoration”, and stressed that this single page contained the essence to understanding God’s entire Providence of Restoration. He also emphasized the importance of experiencing the Blessing of True Parents and proving to ourselves that our original sin is eradicated through it by receiving Christ’s Holy Spirit in fullness at the top of the growth stage.
Through these teachings, Rev. Sakai educated and witnessed to the people around him and his son, nurturing them to love Jesus more deeply, receive the Holy Spirit, and eventually receive True Parents’ Blessing.
Yasushi Sakai is survived by his spouse Kyoko Sakai; his son’s couple, Michinari and Chiharu Sakai; and his grandchildren, Kariana and Liberty Sakai.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Monday February 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM EST (Visitation begins at 6:30 PM EST)
Location: Borgwart Funeral Home (4400 Powder Mill Rd, Beltsville, MD 20705)
Donations can be made at: www.givesendgo.com/yasushi_sakai
Cards and condolences can be sent to the family at:
1052 Stonebrook Road Unit C
Sykesville, MD 21784
In Memory of Tina Rodriguez
Tina Rodriguez
Spouse: Nicholas Rodriguez
Children: Sun Guk, Nicholas
Birthdate: July 14, 1955
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension Date: October 9, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: October 20, 2022
Tina Rodriguez was blessed with Nicholas Rodriguez in the 2075 Blessing, and they had two sons together, Sun Guk and Nicholas III. Having lost her husband early, Tina nevertheless kept Heavenly Parent as her top priority. Somehow masterfully balancing family, work, and community, Tina loved giving gifts and always showed respect to everyone. She would express her views in an open, disarming, and sincere way, never offending anyone but rather spreading harmony.
Always cheerful and kind, Tina was also very real, personal, and determined. She was, in fact, still working as a substitute teacher at the time of her passing.
Tina Rodriguez ascended on the 9th of October, 2022. The circumstances of her passing remain unclear as she was living alone at the time. She had suffered from various health issues over the years, but above all Tina lived her life to the fullest, giving constantly with her uniquely buoyant, persistent, and hopeful attitude. Since her passing Tina’s family and close friends have still felt her presence, in both dreams and daily life.
Those who knew and loved Tina are deeply grateful for her love and kindness and will miss her greatly, but she will never be forgotten.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Tina’s Seonghwa Ceremony took place on October 20, 2022 at 10:00 CST at Providence Funeral Home (807 Carlos Parker Blvd NW, Taylor, TX 76574)
Cards and condolences may be sent to the family at:
Nicolas Rodriquez
49 Finnigan Ave Apt K8
Saddle Brook, NJ 07663
In Memory of Joel Lindstrom
Joel Lindstrom
Spouse: Megumi Lindstrom
Children: Seizan, Grace, Seikai, Seiji
Birthdate: August 18, 1953
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension Date: January 29, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: February 4, 2023
Joel Robert Lindstrom was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Glen and Ruth (Widing) Lindstrom on August 18th, 1953. He grew up in South Euclid, Ohio with his two older sisters. As a young blonde trouble maker, he often earned the nickname “Dennis the Menace” in his family. His childhood was an audacious time in his life that he recalled fondly, and he was filled with curiosity and adventure that fueled a love and appreciation for nature.
After graduating from Brush High school in 1971, Joel attended Ohio State University for a brief time before becoming eminently ill which led him to resign from classes. Shortly afterward, he was drafted into the military where he joined the U.S. Navy for three years during the Vietnam war era. He then moved to Washington state to pursue an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at The Evergreen State College.
In 1979, Joel was approached by his spiritual mother, Catherine LaDolcette, and soon joined the Unification Church. On July 1st, 1982 he was Blessed to Megumi Fujita, his wife of 40 years, by participating in the 2075 Blessing Couple Ceremony at Madison Square Garden. Joel and Megumi had four spirited children: Seizan, Grace, Seikai, and Seiji.
Joel had many professions over the years. He worked as a mechanic at a church owned business called Happiness International in Chicago, as a salesman at Sailo Machine Tools, a salesman at Chevrolet, a kiosk manager at various shopping malls, and as a courier. In 2012, Joel experienced a mild heart attack and lost his ability to maintain work life. He dedicated himself to working with ministers to witness and educate them about True Parents teachings on core family values, and sharing Gods love back in his hometown Cleveland, Ohio.
Through the years his family grew and Joel became a loving grandfather to Seihi, Hikari, Rika, Mei, Leo, and Sofia. He told entertaining stories throughout his life, sometimes with a hint of exaggeration, but always with the pure heart of child. Joel Robert Lindstrom passed away on January 29th, 2023 at the Cleveland Clinic Medical Center after a severe heart attack. He was surrounded by close friends and family as he peacefully passed.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Saturday February 4, 2023 at 5:00 PM EST
Location: Ohio Family Church, Columbus OH (4303 Indianola Ave, Columbus, OH 43214)
Donation Link: https://gofund.me/2fd063b7
Cards and condolences may be sent to the family at:
7665 Smoketree Ct. Columbus, OH 43235
In Memory of Ronald Trumpet
Ronald Trumpet
Spouse: Yukari Trumpet
Children: Reina, Robert, John, Samuel
Birthdate: September 30, 1958
Blessing: August 25, 1992
Ascension Date: January 23, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: January 28, 2023
Ronald Trumpet was born on September 30, 1958 in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He moved to America at the age of 7 and spent the rest of his childhood and adult years in Queens, New York. He often told stories of his early years growing up, involving adventurous feats, but never forgot to acknowledge the struggles of coming from a broken home. These experiences and memories shaped Ron into the strong and caring person everyone who met him came to know, as well as the hardworking and wise father his children respected and loved.
Ron valued education highly from a young age. He often wore a suit or professional attire in order to impress the teachers, and he always sat in front of the class and stayed after school to review notes. Ron excelled academically and enjoyed reading, writing poetry, and playing chess. He won essay and poem competitions left and right. In addition to achieving academic victories, he loved sports and physical activities just as much. He loved participating in Karate and martial arts, bodybuilding, boxing, fitness, and basketball. In 1985, he placed in a bodybuilding competition in which he received a trophy and was proudly announced in a local newspaper. He believed at an early age that by creating a strong body he could focus on helping others and serving God.
Ron graduated from St. Francis College with a bachelor's degree in business management. After college, he later learned that his passions for teaching and conducting fitness were his true calling. He worked for Athletic & Swim Club for over 30 years, helping those who could benefit from expertise in exercise, while creating lifelong friendships and experiences with everyone he worked with.
Ron was around 14 when he joined the Unification Church after being witnessed to by his older brother, Jerome. Jerome often took him to many Divine Principle workshops at the Unification Theological Seminary, and Ron’s love for God and True Parents continued to grow. From early on in his life, Ron always knew that he wanted to seek a deeper relationship with God, which continued to develop over his lifetime. By 16 years old, he became a more active member by participating in several local witnessing events. When he finally turned 18, he was the first person to learn how to drive and obtain his license in his MFT (Mobile Fundraising Team) group as they traveled from New York to California and other states. He spent his early 20’s spreading God’s Word, fundraising, and helping out at events, such as the Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden rallies. When he wasn’t lending a hand, Ron would take every chance he could to go to UTS and attend workshops.
After starting his career and completing his missionary work, Ron was then Blessed in 1992 to Yukari Suzuki and had four children: Reina, Robert, John, and Samuel. Ron was always known as a family man and always put his family first. Ron worked tirelessly to take care of his family and always lived a life centered around God. As a father, he devoted time to each of his children as they needed throughout their lives. He taught his children how to move through and understand the world with care, how to find their personal strengths, and provided them with wisdom on moralistic values and the importance of education.
His favorite hobbies included listening to music, reading various books and articles, conversing with people, watching shows and movies, taking walks in the park, and spending time with his grandson. He was a loving father, a happy grandpa, and a great friend and brother to many. Those whom he touched will remember him for not only his service, but his caring heart and unforgettable smile. His family and friends from all walks of life will love and miss him dearly.
Ron passed away on January 23, 2023 due to cardiac arrest complications from the week prior. He was 64 years old and leaves behind a wife, Yukari; a daughter Reina, 27; three sons, Robert, 26, John, 22, and Samuel, 20; and a grandson Ryusuke, 1.
Seonghwa Ceremony Information
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 9:00 AM EST (Arrival and Viewing beings at 8:00 AM EST)
Location: Leo F. Kearns, Inc. Funeral Home (103-33 Lefferts Blvd. South Richmond Hill, NY 11419)
Burial will begin at 12:00 PM EST at Pinelawn Memorial Park
Donation Link: https://gofund.me/4190683d
In Memory of Lewis Pearlman
Lewis Pearlman
Spouse: Marielle Pearlman
Children: Craig, Sebastien, Il-Shim, In-Sook, Heung-Soo, Sun-Je
Birthdate: August 29, 1947
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: January 13, 2023
Seonghwa Ceremony: January 20, 2023
Lewis Leibel Pearlman was born to Lillian and Harris (Harry or Hesh) Pearlman on August 29, 1947. He was born in Philadelphia at the Episcopal Hospital in Kensington and was raised in Burlington, New Jersey, as well as Philadelphia. Lewis was named after his grandfather, and his middle name, Leibel, translates to ‘Lion’ in Yiddish. His grandparents came from Russia, Austria, Lithuania, and Poland. His parents were born in the United States. His mother, Lillian, was an Interior designer, and his father, Harry, was a watchmaker. He had an older brother, Arnold, who was 11 years older than Lewis.
Upon graduating high school, Lewis felt called to serve his country in the Vietnam War. Against his mothers wishes he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was deployed to the war and served as a Corpsman (Medic) with the United States Marines. During his service there, Lewis caught pneumonia and was sent to Japan for surgery, where they had to remove part of his lung. After the surgery, he was honorably discharged.
In 1968, Lewis graduated from Lasalle University where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Accounting. In 1972, Lewis had his first son, Craig, from his first marriage. In the early 70s he moved to Berkeley California, intrigued by the hippie movement with the intention of self-discovery. It was then he met the Unification Church and joined the Movement on January 4th 1974.
Meeting the Unification Church changed the course of Lewis’ life. He devoted himself to becoming a full-time member of the Church. He spent the next four years as a missionary traveling the country fundraising, campaigning, and spreading the word of the Unification Movement. In 1978 while working as a missionary in England, Lewis attended an “International Matching Ceremony” where he was introduced to his future spouse by the Church’s founder, Rev. Sun Myung Moon. It was then that Lewis was matched and engaged to Marielle Guerin, a missionary for the Church from France.
After their matching, Lewis and Marielle returned to their respective countries to continue their missions for the Church. Lewis went to Manhattan to work as an accountant for Il Hwa Ginseng Company. Over the next three years, Lewis and Marielle maintained a long-distance relationship. They wrote to each other every day and sent care packages. Lewis began building a relationship with Marielle’s son, Sebastien, sending him letters and packages as well. On July 1st, 1982 Lewis and Marielle were married by the Blessing of Rev. Sun Myung Moon in Madison Square Garden with 2074 other couples.
In 1983, Lewis, Marielle, and Sebastien moved to the Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, New York, where Lewis was a student and worked as an accountant for the Seminary. After two years, he was promoted to be a special assistant to the President of the Seminary, and they worked together on various outreach projects in the New York area. During this time Lewis, Marielle, and Sebastien moved to the neighboring town of Red Hook. There, Lewis and Marielle had four children over the span of 11 years: Il-Shim, In-Sook, Heung-Soo, and Sun-Je. They raised their family in Red Hook until 1995 when Lewis felt a calling to study his Jewish roots at a Hasidic Yeshiva in Moorestown, New Jersey.
In 1996, Lewis, Marielle, and their four youngest children planted their roots in Philadelphia. There Lewis worked as an accountant for various companies while continuing his missionary work for the Church. In 2001, Lewis’ health took a difficult turn, and he had to retire from work. However, he was determined to continue his quest as a missionary and found creative ways to continue his work with the Church. In 2005, the Unification Church organized peace rallies in Israel along the Gaza Strip promoting peace between the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian people. Despite his risky health conditions, he was determined to travel and promote peace. Over the next fifteen years, Lewis continued his work as a life-long missionary even as his physical mobility decreased. He found ways to outreach through zoom meetings, social media, and phone calls.
In 2022, Lewis was diagnosed with cancer of the gallbladder, which then spread to his liver and lungs in a battle he finally lost. Lewis Pearlman passed on January 13, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Marielle, six children, and four grandchildren.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Friday January 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM EST (Viewing begins at 10:00 AM EST
Location: Lambie Funeral Home (8000 Rowland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19136)
Cards and condolences can be sent to the family at:
2209 Napfle St
Philadelphia, PA 19152
Flowers can be ordered through:
Torresdale Flowershop (215 338 5990)
In Memory of Annette Springer
Annette Springer
Spouse: Ronald M. Springer
Children: Michael, Mitchell Springer
Birthdate: April 12, 1958
Blessing: April 25, 2021
Ascension: December 30, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: January 15, 2022
Annette Springer, wife of Ronald M. Springer, was born in Georgetown, Guayana, the fourth surviving child of Peter and Mary Figueiredo. She was a brilliant child, graduating not only early, but with nine distinctions at the G.C.E O levels. After university, she went on to become a teacher.
In 1977, she came to hear of The Unification Church and True Parents, but did not become a member until 1979. Mrs. Barbara Van Praag Sigaar educated her in the Divine Principle. Her faith and dedication to God and to True Parents was a deep one. In that time, she dedicated herself to service, helping to fundraise for the now famous Joshua House, then in its early stages for its renovation fund and children's food program. She managed the kitchen stores at Croal Street, which was the location of the Unification Church in Guyana at that time.
In the early 80's she started her professional career in accounting and auditing for Delloite & Touche. She was also doing audits at companies such as GT&T and GPO Guyana telecommunications and postal services. In 1993, Annette joined her husband and migrated with their two children, Michael and Mitchell, to the United States. She worked for a time at the World Mission Center as a bookkeeper and later on at The New Yorker Hotel. Later on in her career, she worked for Goldman & Sacks in their accounts department until 2003.
Annette was a founding charter member of a church called the Emmanuel Deliverance Center. She dedicated her time and service to them in their formative years. After this, she returned to The Unification Church at 4 West 43rd Street, where she once again dedicated herself to service as part of their hospitality team. She ensured members had a warm meal to eat. Her kindness and dedication to service touched many members. In the last few years, she was no longer able to serve as she would like to; however, she continued her life of service by helping the Long Island Church with their speech making.
As matriarch of her family, she pushed to liberate her ancestors, achieving a liberation of four hundred and twenty ancestors. She was the first in the Long Island community to complete the 1-hour and 2-hour Divine Principle readings before her passing.
Annette has left behind a legacy of great faith, devotion and service for her family to continue. Those who she touched will remember her for not only her service, but her kind and caring heart. She will be greatly missed.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Sunday, January 15th at 2:00 PM
Location: Manhattan Family Church (4 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036)
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83887873601?pwd=eGRlYzJsN0dhUlZVRVNUQ2VOQ24vUT09
Meeting ID: 854 2268 1404
Passcode: 2027
Donation Link: http://spot.fund/k4p19ce
Prayer Chain: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JyuLDJjHLH4CSPp8Ngo4Kq1Eo3KwW5t4eCGcZ0sz-Ow/edit?usp=sharing
Prayer Vigil (every night at 9:00 PM until the Seonghwa Date): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85422681404?pwd=ZkRtZkR5M0JJOTZybkVvckdIN1VnQT09
If you would like to send flowers for the Seonghwa Ceremony, they can be delivered between 12-2 PM on Sunday, January 15th to the following address:
Manhattan Family Church
4 West 43rd Street
New York, NY 10036
In Memory of James Stewart
Rev. James Stewart
Spouse: Matilda
Children: Alan, Ahna
Birthdate: February 1, 1959
Blessing: July 1, 1982
Ascension: December 22, 2022
Seonghwa Ceremony: January 5, 2022
Rev. James Stewart was born in Peebles, Scotland in 1959. He spent his early years on the island of Malta. He completed his secondary education in Scotland, and at the age of eighteen joined the Unification Movement in Edinburgh. He received the Marriage Blessing with Matilda Ayers from Baltimore, Maryland at the 2075 Couples’ Marriage Blessing at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1982. They have two adult children, Alan and Ahna.
James came from a strong Scottish Presbyterian background—two of his relatives were Moderators of the Church of Scotland. Soon after he arrived in the United States, James became a mentee of the Reverend Won Pil Kim, who was Rev. Sun Myung Moon’s first follower from his early days in Pyongyang in North Korea. From Rev. Kim, James received one on one training for two years—training of the heart that would last his entire life. After this formative period, James was given a very special mission to take care of several of Father and Mother Moon’s teenage children, with a special focus on Heung Jin. In those days, the Unification Movement experienced widespread persecution and hostility, and James became the companion and friend of Father and Mother’s children. James had extensive experience in the outdoor life as practiced in Scotland and went on to teach them horseback riding.
In 1984, James and Tilly were given a new mission as a commander of the International One World Crusade (IOWC). When this was completed, he became the Church leader in Billings, Montana, where he had many great successes with ministers and VIPs.
James later returned to Scotland, and in 1991, Tilly joined him. They were then given a major fundraising responsibility, which covered most of Western Europe. James took great care of his teams, and members responded by breaking fundraising records for his entire tenure as fundraising director.
At this point, James was given the opportunity to study for his bachelor’s degree at the University of Glasgow and to do his graduate work at the University of St. Andrews.
The family returned to the US in 2001, and it was at this point that FFWPU USA National Headquarters discovered James’ phenomenal organizational ability. From 2001 to 2005, he was the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC) National Executive Director. James was able to keep a clear head and a faithful heart under severe pressure. He then went on to be the General Affairs Coordinator at the HSA-UWC/FFWPU National HQ under then President, Dr. Michael Jenkins.
From 2008 to 2013, James was the Small Group coordinator in District 1 in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area. Around 2009, James and Tilly moved to Baltimore, Tilly’s hometown, and in 2013, he became the Pastor of the Baltimore Family Fellowship.
In 2017, Rev. Stewart was appointed the Southeast regional General Affairs director and in August 2018 was tasked to organize the HJ CheonBo event at the University of Maryland. Members came from all over the Southeast and beyond. James’ ability to delegate responsibility and inspire confidence in others contributed to its great success.
In 2019, James was appointed as the Maryland State Leader. Rev. Stewart then led a Peace Starts with Me Rally in Baltimore, gathering clergy and civic leaders together to promote peace in the city of Baltimore and give hope to its youth. As part of the event, a strenuous clean-up project was organized and hundreds of bags of groceries were distributed to families in need. In fact, James and his family have run a very significant food distribution program for many years, one which still distributes food every week.
Then in 2021, in the midst of his battle with esophageal cancer, he accepted an appointment as the Senior Pastors’ Association representative in the Southeast region.
As great as all these accomplishments are, it is as a spiritual leader that Rev. Stewart has made his greatest impact. His incredible patience, unassuming character, and his warm, loving approach to people, as well as his love for God, Jesus and True Parents, have made an indelible impression on people of all walks of life.
James is survived by his wife, Matilda (Tilly); his son, Alan, and daughter, Ahna; his mother, Agnes Stewart; brothers, Philip and John, and sister, Rhona Kerr; and their extended families. In addition, he is also survived by Tilly’s extended family, her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and spiritual children.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: Thursday, January 5 at 10:30 AM EST (Viewing will begin at 10:00 AM EST)
Location: Faith Christian Center Church International (3517 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21218)
Wonjeon Ceremony at 1:30 PM
Location: Historic Green Mount Cemetery (1501 Greenmount Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202)
The Ceremony will also be livestreamed via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/618147675
Passcode: 2027
GoFundMe to help the family with expenses: https://gofund.me/eb9ddbfa
In Memory of Ryoichi Minakawa
Ryoichi Minakawa
Spouse: Atsuko
Children: Ikumi, Nami, Yoshimi
Birthdate: December 7, 1961
Blessing: August 25, 1992
Seonghwa Ceremony: November 20, 2022
Ryoichi Minakawa was born on December 7, 1961 in Inawashiro, Fukushima. On November 06, 1984, Ryoichi joined the Unification Church in Japan. His spiritual father is Mr. Yoshiyuki Kudo, a 6,000 Couples Blessing participant.
On August 25, 1992 Ryoichi was blessed to Atsuko in the 30,000 Couples Blessing held in Seoul. Ryoichi came to the United States for missionary work on November 5, 1992.
His wife, Atsuko passed away 8 years ago. He his survived by his three children: his son, Ikumi; daughter, Nami; and daughter, Yoshimi.
Seonghwa Ceremony
Date: November 20, 2022
Location: Royal Oak Community Center (3500 Marais Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48073)
Go Fund Me for the family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-the-minakawa-family