Obituary of Frances Miyako Marubashi

Frances Marubashi passed away on March 3, 2023 at the age of 100.  Her son and granddaughter were by her side when she passed away at home in Gridley.

Frances was born on September 4, 1922 in Florin (which was later incorporated into Sacramento) California to Toraichi and Matsumi Oda.  She was the first born and the only girl out of seven children.  She attended high school plus additional training before being sent to the Tule Lake internment camp in 1942.  Frances, her parents and her six brothers were released from camp in 1946.  Frances met Henry Marubashi and after a short courtship were married on March 12, 1950.  They were married in the house they lived in until their passing.  Together they were farmers until her husband’s passing in 1982.  Frances enjoyed spending time with her family and pets, gardening, cooking, and sewing.  She was a lifelong member of the Buddhist Church.  Most knew her as “Ba-chan.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Satoru Marubashi, three younger brothers, and one sister-in-law.

She is survived by her daughter Christine Pooley, son-in-law Charles Pooley, son Henry Marubashi, Jr., daughter-in-law Karen Leonard, granddaughter Rachel, grandsons Ryan and Steven, great-granddaughter Melody, three brothers Tom, Walter and Richard, five sisters-in-law Amy, Molly, Margie, Nancy and Patsy and many nieces and nephews.

We miss her but find comfort in knowing she is now free from dementia and constant pain.  We are thankful for her unconditional and steadfast love for us.

Private services will be held for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to help fight Alzheimer’s and Dementia or any favorite organization.

Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel.