Yasuko Spence is a Sei-Shihan (Master Teacher) of the Hijiri Ikenobo School of Ikebana. She was raised in Japan and after meeting her late husband, David Spence, while they were both working for General Electric, they eventually got married and moved to the United States. She joined Ikebana International Rochester Chapter 53 in 1997 and served the chapter as First Vice President for four years and as the Treasurer for 11 years. She has taught many students during her time in the Rochester area and is beloved by them all.
She has also participated in may cultural events during the chapter’s monthly meetings and shared her knowledge of calligraphy, sumi-e brush painting, the Japanese language, Japanese food preparation, and even played the koto and sang to the delight of all who were able to attend.
She was known for her caring, quiet and engaging demeanor and inspired devotion by her students whose words say it best:
“I joined Hijiri Ikenobo School, Rochester branch in 2013; and since then I have studied and practiced ikebana under her supervision. She is dedicated to teaching Hijiri Ikenobo, and conveys the knowledge with responsibility. Her ability to develop relationship with her students motivated us to learn and practice this beautiful art. She is a loving and caring person and has left a lasting impact on our lives. I shall always remember her.”
Fauzia Jamshed
“In 2013, a year after I began studying under Yasuko Sensei, she asked me to submit an arrangement for an exhibit to be held at Barnes and Nobles. With apprehension, I looked at her in amazement and asked if she thought I was ready for something like this. She reassured me that I was, with that “knowing’ look on her face. I submitted an arrangement made up of Japanese Red Maple branches and white lisianthus. It was well received and I was gratified to contribute to our chapter for the very first time.
“Within a short time, she had instilled in me a newfound confidence I did not know I had so that my creativity could show itself in my ikebana arrangements.
“Yasuko Sensei and I often correspond by email and in February 2020, she wrote me these words; ‘My Iemoto, Okazawa Sensei in Japan, told me that people who handle and manage flowers to make ikebana could stay young and healthy and have a beautiful mind forever. She is 92 years old and even today rides a bicycle to shop in Tokyo, I also want to stay young and healthy and have a beautiful mind forever.’
“These special words will stay with me as well as my tender memories of our dear Yasuko.”
Luba
I’m sure that I’m speaking for all of the members of Ikebana International Rochester Chapter 53 when I say,
Farewell our dear Yasuko. You will be sorely missed. May the rest of your life be fulfilling, and bring you much peace and joy. You have certainly given that to us.
I’m sure that I’m speaking for all of the members of Ikebana International Rochester Chapter 53 when I say,
Farewell our dear Yasuko. You will be sorely missed. May the rest of your life be fulfilling, and bring you much peace and joy. You have certainly given that to us.
