Hisako STANCIL Obituary (1935 - 2008) - Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Hisako (Hamasaki) StancilAugust 26, 1935 - November 30, 2008The family of Hisako (Hamasaki) Stancil sadly announces the death of their loved one. Hisako was born in Yamaguchi, Japan on August 26, 1935 and left this earth on November 30, 2008, at the age of 73. Hisako's husband, James, preceded her in death just over a month ago. They were to have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 13, having been wed in 1958. Born in their union were one daughter and two sons.After having her three kids, and spending several years at home with them, the family moved to Orange County, California, where Hisako found a tremendous joy in grooming dogs. In the 70s, she purchased a dog grooming business and owned that for about 10 years. She found great joy in animals and a passion for raising show poodles. Hisako gained some great friendships through the business, and brought the family a plethora of enjoyment with all the dogs and cats that graced "the family".We will always remember her generosity, and the hospitality that welcomed friends, family and strangers into the home for meals and parties. She was an incredible cook, and brought the Japanese heritage into the family with feasts of teriyaki steak, fried shrimp, fried wontons, fried rice, and sushi, all of which were prepared with love that can only come from a mother. The whole family looked forward to dinners with her cooking, and longed for the treats that followed, like her delicious chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. Hisako was a great wife, standing alongside James through all facets of life's circumstances, and always creating a household that was service-oriented. As a mother, she epitomized tender care and compassion, as only a mother can. She loved "unconditionally", and always opened her arms to welcome us back "home". Just as James did, Hisako enjoyed playing pinochle and various card games with their friends and family.Hisako battled with hepatitis C for over 14 years, eventually losing her battle. Through her sickness, the family learned to better understand the "gift" of time, and that cherishing each day is truly a blessing. It was the gift from "mom" that helped us know our creator, as she walked us to a local church for so many weekends in our youth. Though she faced difficult and painful moments, she never ceased in holding on to her faith. That was the greatest gift we could have received, and we are so thankful for that. Hisako was always there beside James sharing in their children's and grandchildren's "life" events. Even if Hisako clapped for the wrong team at a sporting event, her presence was what mattered. Along with James, Hisako taught her children many great characteristics in their upbringing, such as respect, hard work, commitment, appreciation, courtesy, generosity, hospitality, sacrifice, and love. They hope they can carry and demonstrate those same attributes and qualities in the way they live their lives, allowing the legacy of teaching and love taught by their parents to continue.Although English was not her first language, Hisako loved to have discussions with her family, and so freely used the words "I love you". She worried as a mother / grandmother does, always looking for ways and opportunities to "help" those that she loved. She loved to talk about her family, and the pride she found in every child (natural or by marriage), grandchild, and great-grandchild, kept a smile on her face."Grandma", or "Grammy" was encouraged and determined to live beyond what she was allotted just to have one more opportunity to caress, to kiss, or share a tear or smile, realizing the blessing that she was given being called those two endearing terms. Grandma, the blessing was "ours".We will miss the time we can no longer share with you on earth. Our hearts are comforted knowing you are with God, and have received the gift of His son. We, as a family, look forward to that glorious day when we shall reunite again. Until that day, we trust in the comfort and peace with God, and the work we have been left to do in obedience to our maker.Surviving Hisako is her loving family-daughter, Catherine Lynn (Kevin) Deverell; sons, Jeffery Ray (Liane) Stancil, and Kenneth Roy (America) Stancil. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren,Justin (Myriam) Nowland, Brandon (Kellie) Nowland, Ciera Stancil, Charlene Silva, Jessie Stancil, Shawna Stancil, and Sophia Stancil; and two great granddaughters, Emma Nowland and Alana Silverman. Hisako is preceded in death by her husband James.Services for Hisako (Hamasaki) Stancil will be held on Friday, December 5, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1605 S. McCulloch in Lake Havasu, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made on behalf of Hisako Stancil to: Feed the Children, 333 N. Meridian Ave., Oklahoma City, OklahomaThoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.