GLOUCESTER: Tomoko Taba, 49, died unexpectedly at her residence on Sunday, December 13, 2009.
Born in Naha, Okinawa, Japan on April 23, 1960, she was the daughter of Yasue Taba of Naha, Japan and the late Chojun Uehara. She was the youngest of four siblings.
She graduated from Konan Koko High School in 1979. She was self-employed as a food vendor selling Japanese noodles to local markets as well as performing other jobs.
She was a member of the Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist group dedicated to the propagation of peace, through culture and education. Tomoko would happily attend various cultural and educational events in the New England area with her young daughter, Yuko, as well as holding meetings in her home. Tomoko loved to cook and spend time with her daughter. She will be sadly missed by all whose lives she touched.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her daughter Yuko Ciarametaro of Gloucester, her former spouse, Matteo Ciarametaro of Beverly, brothers, Choji Uehara of Naha, Japan and Hideo Taba of Kanagawa, Japan. She was also predeceased by her brother, Tsugio Uehara.
Visitation will be held on Saturday afternoon in the Pike-Grondin Funeral Home, 61 Middle Street, Gloucester from 2 – 5 p.m. Tomoko always wanted to return to Okinawa, and ultimately rest in her family tomb. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family, c/o Matteo Ciarametaro, P. O. Box 151, Beverly, MA 01915 to help defray the cost of putting Tomoko to final rest.