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Teri Uchiyama passed away on January 24, 2017 at the age of 90. She was a lifelong resident of the Valley, born May 18, 1926 in Fresno. Growing up, she made many friends, including many whom she remained in contact with her entire life. During World War II, her family was evacuated from Fresno and relocated to the Gila River Internment Center in Arizona, where she graduated from high school. She left the Internment Center to attend Toledo University. After the war, her family returned to Fresno and reopened the Aki Department Store in Fresno's Japantown. She attended Fresno State College and graduated from the Hemmi School of Dressmaking and Tailoring in 1949. In 1958, Teri wed Shig Uchiyama of Fowler. They raised four children. Teri loved music, was an accomplished pianist and encouraged all her children to play musical instruments. She played the piano at the Fowler Buddhist Church for many years. She and Shig loved to travel and their trips took them all over the world, visiting all 7 continents. In later years, they included all the family in annual trips and cruises to many exotic locations. Like her husband, Teri was an avid sports fan and diehard supporter of the San Francisco Giants. She is preceded in death by her husband Shig, parents, Shuichi and Tomiko Kuwamoto and a brother, Yasuyuki. Teri is survived by her daughter Marsha Yoshimura, her husband Don, grandchildren Reid and wife Kaelin, Chad, and Joelle of Fresno; son Vance Uchiyama, his wife Kathy, and granddaughter Tara of Fresno; son Gordon Uchiyama and grandchildren Katelyn and Madelyn of Cerritos, CA; and daughter Allison Baratelli, her husband Joe, and grandchildren Joji and Nina of Brentwood, CA. Teri is also survived by her brother Satoshi Kuwamoto and his wife Sachi of Fresno and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Dr. Michael Castillo and her other doctors, nurses, and staff of Kaiser Permanente for providing outstanding care over the years. They also wish to express their gratitude to her close friends and the wonderful staff at Fairwinds Senior Living Center, where she resided in the last years of her life. Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Light Funeral Home in Fresno on Friday, February 3, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Buddhist Church of Fowler on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Chapel of the Light Mausoleum.

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Teri Uchiyama

May 18, 1926 - January 24, 2017