Sumiko Schubert

On Monday, August 10, 2020, our beloved Sumiko Schubert passed away peacefully in her home in Harrisburg, PA, surrounded by her loving family, like a Sleeping Beauty.

Sumi was born August 21, 1935 in Nagano Ken, Japan. Her father, a kimono maker, died in Sumi’s childhood. Her mother, Suzue (née “Hoshina”) thereafter married a gentleman named Shoji. Sumi and her brother, Hariyuki, then gained five more siblings: Amiko, Tomiko, Katsuo, Toshko and Mitsuo.

Sumiko lived a full and eventful life. She recalled sleeping with her shoes in the midst of the bombing during the U.S. conflict with Japan. She hauled potatoes to feed her neighborhood during the war. During these hard and dangerous times, she learned to be fearless when she was with her family as she developed her strength and remarkable sense of humor in the face of adversity.

At nineteen, she married Hollis Schubert of Wisconsin, a sergeant in the U.S. Army. The young couple then welcomed their only child and pride, Allen Schubert. The family travelled throughout Europe before building a home in Clarksville, TN, a home which Sumiko designed. Sumiko trusted and loved Hollis, and the two lived as best friends, enjoying road trips through the mid-west in later life.

After Hollis passed away, Sumiko lived her final years with her son’s family in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This time was filled with love and the joy of getting to know her grandchildren and great granddaughter.

Sumiko loved to laugh, watch movies, and listen to her “boyfriends” Engelbert Humperdinck and Johnny Mathis. An avid creator, crafter and crocheter, Sumi will be remembered for her pleasant optimism and authenticity.

Sumiko is survived by her son, Allen Schubert; her former daughter-in-law, Delores Ritzman; granddaughter Sarah Schubert; granddaughter Erin Schubert (married Joseph Dido) and great-granddaughter Naomi Schubert Dido.