Eiko Abe Blas passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024 in University Place WA, one month short of her 92nd birthday. Born March 28, 1932, outside Sendai Japan, she was the daughter of Bunski and Momoyu Abe. Her parents and 5 siblings all preceded her in death. Eiko is now reunited in Heaven with her wonderful husband of 65 years, Gregorio (Greg) Blas, who passed away 2 years ago.

Eiko and Greg met in Sendai, Japan where Greg was stationed for the Army. They were married in 1956 and transferred to the United States in 1957. Over the years, they lived in Washington state, Germany, California, Missouri, Japan, Kansas and Texas.  Eiko was a devoted and strong military wife. She lived in Washington while Greg served in Vietnam, lived in Japan while Greg was stationed in Korea, and lived in Lakewood while Greg was assigned to Gonzaga University (ROTC), Spokane until he retired in 1975.

Eiko was an excellent seamstress, always sewing and knitting for her kids, and later for her grandchildren. Some of her other hobbies were creating knitted dolls and little umbrellas made with rolled up cigarette paper packs. Eiko converted to Catholicism to marry in the Catholic church. She was a member of Our Lady's Rosary Makers for over 25 years and made thousands of simple corded rosaries for the soldiers overseas. Many people didn't know that Eiko was a true-blue Seahawks fan. She never missed watching a game on TV and called Coach Pete Carroll "Papa" because of his age. Eiko loved sushi, sherbet ice cream, pizza and all buffets - for a petite woman, she loved to eat! She read her Japanese magazines and watched Korean soap operas until after midnight with snacks, then she would forward them on to share with her friends in 3 different states. Eiko simplest pleasures were going for drives, shopping and enjoying meals with family and friends.

Eiko and Greg loved to travel. They would drive endless miles to visit their friends in Missouri, Texas, Colorado and California. Some of their favorite places to visit were Hawaii, Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, Skagit tulip fields and many national parks. They vacationed at Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon for the 10th time in September 2021. Eiko was the best co-pilot, using only their trusty AAA TripTik Planner and no GPS. She owned a lot of cameras over the years and they have many photo albums full of memories. They also had a great love for country music and went to many concerts in past years.

Eiko (Mama) leaves behind her forever devoted children - Rosalia (Bill) Olson, Maria (Andy) Rash and George (Diane) Blas. Eiko (Bachan) will be missed greatly by her four grandchildren that she was so proud of and loved very much - Sarah (Spenser) Vines, Ryan Rash (Celia Cubitt), Jeremy Blas and Cameron Blas. Eiko and Greg never missed a birthday celebration or major event in their grandkid's lives. Eiko's last wish was granted when she was able to hold her great-granddaughter Skye Aurora (born Dec '23 in Albany, NY) while she was in the hospital.  Eiko also leaves behind some very close friends that she had known for over 60 years. It's amazing how friendships can last so long, even if some of them lived thousands of miles away.

There will be a private family graveside burial at New Tacoma Cemetery in University Place, WA. The family is grateful to the staff at Franciscan Hospice House who provided compassionate 24-hour care and support for the family. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made in memory of Eiko to Franciscan Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way W, University Place WA 98466  www.vmfh.org franciscan hospice house