Chisako Ozawa Loe

Chisako Ozawa Loe died at the Novant Health Prince William Medical Center, Manassas, VA. April 26, 2017. She had been in good health until the last few weeks of her life, when she started experiencing physical discomfort. On April 21, 2017 she was admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU), through the hospital Emergency Room, with severe breathing difficulties. She remained in the CCU until April 25, at which time the prognosis was that she would not be able to recover from her medical condition. She was placed in hospice care in the hospital Oncology ward where on the afternoon of April 26, 2017 she lost her battle and peacefully departed. Her husband and daughter were with her at the time, and her son Robert had just completed a video chat with her from Germany. Chisako Ozawa was born to Haru Yoshida and Fusaji Ozawa at the Ozawa home in Tateyama, Chiba, Japan October 26, 1932. She was the youngest of three sons and three daughters born to this farming family. Education was emphasized in her family and after completing elementary and junior high school, she was accepted in the prestigious Tateyama High School, graduating in 1950. After graduating from high school, Chisako assisted for two years in the farming of their extensive land holdings. After this she struck out on her own, first briefly locating to Yokuska, Japan. She then accepted a position at the US Navy Air Station, Atsugi, Japan (NAS Atsugi) with a Navy family, Capt Roger and Mrs Vaughn. When they were reassigned she was employed by the US Navy Exchange system, initially as clerk with the sporting goods department. This lasted about six months when she was reassigned as the chief of the Special Order Section, where she provided special order services to military and DOD civilian personnel, not only from NAS Atsugi, but other nearby US Navy and US Army bases. She remained in this position until resigning to immigrate to the US for marriage. It was at the special order desk where Chisako met her future husband, Major Eldon Craig Loe, when he arrived at NAS Atsugi to command a US Army detachment conducting joint operations with a Navy squadron assigned to NAS Atsugi. They maintained a casual association, conversing frequently at her desk when not busy with other customers. She also placed orders for MAJ Loe, specifically for special crystal and china ware. These conversations were occasionally augmented with evenings out, usually to one of the nearby military officer’s clubs for dinner. When MAJ Loe was reassigned to duty in the Republic of Viet Nam, their association continued through correspondence. During his tour in Viet Nam, MAJ Loe spent a five day leave back in Japan and reestablished personal contact with Chisako, spending all of their evenings together. Again, when MAJ Loe was en-route to a new assignment in the US on completion of his tour in Viet Nam, he spent another week with her in Japan. Arrangements were made for Chisako to visit the US in October 1970, during which they traveled together throughout the Eastern and Midwestern sections of the country. Returning to her Special Order desk at NAS Atsugi, the budding romance reverted to the correspondence mode. Inevitably, the decision was to make the association permanent. She returned to the US in April of 1971 on a permanent fiancé’s visa. They were married at St. Patrick’s church in Edina, Minnesota on June 16, 1971, the ceremony organized by the groom’s sister who was Music Director at the church. Other family of the groom also participated; his brother-in-law acting for the father of the bride, the groom’s brother and his wife as Best Man and Matron of Honor, and the sister’s children providing music and alter boy services. They initially set up temporary residence in Waukegan, Illinois, near where MAJ Loe was assigned military duties at Ft. Sheridan, IL. By August 1971 they had moved to San Antonio, Texas where MAJ Loe was stationed at Fort Sam Houston. While there, Chisako became active with the Officer’s Wives Club, joining their bowling team. She also became a “Grey Lady” at the post hospital, assisting with comfort items for the soldiers admitted to the hospital. During this time their son Robert was born. She also was granted her US Citizenship while in San Antonio. In 1975, MAJ Loe left active military service, and accepted a US Army civilian position at Vint Hill Farms Station near Warrenton, VA. Chisako followed after the birth of their daughter Louisa, the family being reassembled in Manassas, VA on New Years Eve, 1975. They have remained Manassas residents since then. When their daughter started her schooling, Chisako decided to return to work. She was an accomplished seamstress and over the next few years worked in that capacity in three different bridal shops, fitting and altering wedding attire for brides, bridesmaids, and bride’s mothers. She also worked as a seamstress and clerk for the local Sears store. Seeking other opportunities, Chisako secured a position with 1st Virginia Bank, and remained there as a computer security specialist for ten years. She joined her husband in retirement in March of 2000. Since then they have traveled around the US visiting family, and occasionally to visit family in Japan, and to Europe to visit Robert who teaches music with the DOD Schools there. She has also been host to numerous elementary, middle, and high school students who study music with daughter Louisa, who’s music studio is in the family home. Chisako has accumulated many acquaintances, several by “tagging” along with her husband who became active in several area music activities after retirement from his various US Army military and civilian positions. While music education was missing from her school years, she has received an abundance of exposure with her family. Her passing was not expected. Although she has been suffering from Alzheimers for several years, it was cancer that claimed her life. She is survived by her husband of nearly 46 years, son Robert and his wife Kerri and their son Tristan, and daughter Louisa. She is also survived by a sister, Fumi Ozawa, a Sister-in-Law Miyoko Ozawa, and several nieces and nephews, all residing in Japan. She will be dearly missed by all. Instead of flowers or other items of condolence, the family wishes that an appropriate donation be made to Alzheimers or Cancer research.

Chisako Ozawa Loe

October 26, 1932 - April 26, 2017