Lennie Yamashiro (1936-2021)

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Lennie Yamashiro

FARMINGTON – Lennie Yamashiro passed away peacefully in the early morning hours at Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center where she had been a resident for a few years.

Lennie was born to Purley and Rachel Genaway on Aug. 14, 1936, in Chautauqua, N.Y., the second child of five siblings.

Lennie was an inspiration in so many ways to family members and friends with her many accomplishments: cheerleader for four years in high school, homecoming queen in her senior year, achieving a master’s degree in French, becoming proficient in alpine skiing, basketball, tennis, music and dance. She could often be heard playing the flute and piccolo in various musical groups, making people smile with her tap dancing and clogging, and competing in tennis and basketball in the Senior Games. “Nothing Less Than the Best,” her school motto, fit her well. Lennie put her best into everything she did and never settled for mediocrity.

She was the sunshine at family gatherings. Lennie’s vivaciousness, ready smile, and zest for life were beacons of light to all. Her resiliency to bounce back with full-blown energy after difficult times encouraged many to keep going regardless of the big bumps in their roads. The motto, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” truly fit her well.

Lennie’s love for her children, grandchildren and siblings was immense. She is survived by her daughter, Velda (Cedar); son, Nolan (Alison); grandchildren Koa and Ryland; sister Mabel (Charlie), sister Martha (son, Randy); brother Daniel (Carol); brother-in-law Robert and many nieces and nephews. Lennie was preceded in death by her sister Nancy (wife to Robert), George Yamashiro, and her parents.

The family would like to thank all of the tremendous staff at Orchard Park Rehabilitation and Living Center for taking such good care of her and really going above and beyond the call of duty. In lieu of flowers, please do something kind or special for someone else, anonymously or otherwise, as Lennie was known to do.

She will be deeply missed by all who loved or even just knew her.

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8 Comments

  1. Lennie will always be be remembered as a ray of sunshine…always caring and spreading kindness. ❤ She was vibrant and colorful to all! Loved her family so much and was so proud of them.
    Lennie keep smiling on us!!!
    “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees” Amelia Earhart.
    Our world needs kindness more than ever. Thank you for your wonderful example.
    Chan and Charlie Woodcock

  2. Velda, Koa, Ryland and Cedar, sending my heartfelt condolences. Sounds like you have a wonderful soul watching over you now. Hugs to you all.

  3. Velda, so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a fixture of Farmington. Thinking it you and your family.

  4. What a fitting tribute to Lennie. I’ll always remember her dressed very colorfully introducing clogging to our kids at VBS. She radiated joy!
    RIP Lennie, condolences to your family.

  5. She was a ray of sunshine in this community! She wore a friendly smile and had time to talk to anyone. She always looked to make a connection in each of her interactions! I am so sorry for your loss Velda. You took such good care of your parents. They knew they were well loved!

  6. Sorry to hear of Lennies passing, She was a great lady I knew her from her playing in the former Old Crow Band. My prayers to her family, she will be missed.

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