JoAnne Yamasaki Adair
JoAnne Yamasaki Adair JoAnne passed away at her home in Denver on June 7, 2025. She was born April 21, 1946, to Ruby and Sootie Yamasaki. She graduated from Box Elder High School and went on to further her education at Utah State University earning her bachelor’s degree in interior design. Over the years, she created a variety of beautiful and unique art pieces. She met Kimiko Side, which JoAnne began taking her classes. Kimiko was a master in handcrafting Kimekome dolls.
JoAnne excelled in the art working with Kimiko. She went on to making Chinese New Year animals clothed in Japanese fabric for her siblings, niece, nephews and their children. She also created numerous ornate and intricate origami art. She paid attention to detail, which made her creations exquisite, unique and distinctive. In addition to her magical and patient hands, JoAnne was an extraordinary cook.
JoAnne was an active member of the Denver Buddhist Temple.
She will be forever missed but will remain in our hearts now and always. She is survived by her son Marcus Mitsuru Adair, Denver, CO and her sisters Merlynne Miya, Kaysville and Geniel Summers, Ogden, UT. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, Ruby and Sootie, husband Jack, brothers Dennis and Sheldon.
Service at the Denver Buddhist Temple is scheduled for August 23 at 11 a.m. There will be a service at the Honeyville Buddhist Temple September 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. followed by a private burial service at the Brigham City Cemetery.