Setsuko Simmons

Setsuko Simmons (Yasaku), 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Frederick, MD on August 24, 2024. Born in Tokyo, Japan to Seizo and Koto (Táte) Yasaku, she was the 4th of 9 children.

Setsuko lived a full life after coming to the United States in 1959 at the age of 29 for what became an extended visit with a couple her family befriended in Japan, Walter and Thelma Kasza. While staying with the Kaszas, she met her husband of 36 years, Edward Simmons, who preceded her in death in 1997. They raised 2 children and lived most of their lives in Silver Spring, MD except for a few years in the suburbs of Chicago. While living in Chicago, Setsuko became a United States citizen in 1974 and then learned to drive soon after earning her driver’s license. With the consent of her father and family in Japan, at the age of 46 Setsuko was legally adopted in 1975 by the Kaszas who had no children of their own. She officially became their daughter, and they were loved as parents and grandparents for the rest of their lives.

As a dedicated housewife and mother, Setsuko was very talented as an expert seamstress. Working from home, she created one-of-a-kind dresses, suits, and a few wedding gowns from fine fabrics until she retired from sewing. Some of her customers were Washington DC’s elite that included the wives of ambassadors and senators. She was involved in sewing for Frankie Welch when Ms. Welch started designing clothing made from the new premier fabric, “Ultrasuede.” Setsuko made her own ballgown from satin “Ashes of Roses” that she wore to John F. Kennedy’s inaugural ball in 1961, a few months before she and Edward were married. In her free time, she enjoyed playing tennis and in her later years she was active in Tai Chi and mall walking until she could no longer drive at 88. Setsuko and Edward loved to entertain. They were known for their parties where she prepared the most beautiful and delicious American and Japanese dishes. 

She spent the last few years in Frederick where she lived her best life enjoying all the social activities, her favorites being bingo and happy hour. Her family is ever grateful for all the care she received while she lived at Spring Arbor. Setsuko went to sleep with a little smile on her face and we are sure she is enjoying a cocktail in heaven with all her family and friends that went before her.

Setsuko is survived by a sister and brother in Japan, her daughter Donna Arcidiacono (Peter) and her son Timothy Simmons (Ippy); grandchildren Stephanie Scholl (Anthony), Alex Simmons (Ashley), Max Simmons, Ryan Huntington, Taylor Huntington, and Olivia Huntington; great-grandchildren Camden, Alayna, Hayden, and Carter.

Setsuko will be laid to rest with Edward at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.