Tatsuko was born in Japan. She met her husband while she was an administrative assistant employed by the Army- Air Force Motion Picture Service in Tokyo, Japan. They were married in 1957. When her husband was transferred to Hawaii, she worked as an administrative assistant at Headquarters PACAF Non-Appropriated Funds Division.

From 1959-1963 she worked for the General Telephone Company in Everett, Washington as a Tab Machine Clerk. In 19679, she received her AAS degree from Tacoma Community College (President's List). In 1982, she received a BA degree and in 1985 received a BFA degree from the University of Washington. She was an accomplished self-employed artist, and her works were displayed many places including Japan.

She is survived by her husband Clayton, son Robert, daughter Wendy, and granddaughter Victoria. She is also survived by three brothers and a sister who reside in Japan.