Shitomi Porter

Shitomi Porter, a cherished seamstress, loving mother, and devoted grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, in Thatcher, Arizona, surrounded by the warmth of her family. Born on November 30, 1932, in the serene Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, Shitomi embodied a spirit of compassion and joy that deeply touched everyone she met.

Throughout her life, Shitomi was guided by her belief that each person holds within themselves the potential for enlightenment—an immeasurable reservoir of wisdom, energy, and kindness. This philosophy seamlessly reflected in her character as she nurtured those around her with profound love and understanding.

Shitomi's heart was vibrant and full, a canvas painted with rich experiences that defined her proudest accomplishments. She often spoke of the day she married Kay W. Porter on August 16, 1956, as one of the happiest moments of her life. Together, they forged a lifelong partnership built on love, laughter, and mutual respect. Although now separated by death, her memories of Kay persist, resonating through the stories she would tell.

As a mother to her beloved daughters, Linda Hernandez and Anna (Thomas) Bencomo, Shitomi took immense pride in nurturing their spirits and instilling in them the values she held dear. Her legacy continued through her 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, all of whom were recipients of her boundless love and care—she adored them deeply, celebrating their achievements and joys as if they were her own.

Beyond her family, Shitomi’s interests revealed her creative soul. She found joy in cooking, gardening, and sewing, each hobby reflecting her nurturing nature and her desire to bring comfort and happiness to others. They served not only as expressions of her creativity but also as vehicles through which she fostered connections and shared love with family and friends.

Though she is now reunited with her beloved parents, Shigeru and Sada Yazawa, and her husband, Kay W. Porter, Shitomi's spirit will forever remain woven into the fabric of her family’s lives. Her wisdom, laughter, and warmth will echo in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

As we remember Shitomi Porter, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to the power of love, compassion, and unwavering faith in humanity. She leaves behind a legacy of enlightenment, which inspires her family to carry forth her light and continue nurturing the seeds of joy and wisdom she planted in their lives.