Remembering Rumiko..

It is with much sadness I pass along the news that Rumiko Hirata has passed away nine months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Rumiko san, wife of Hirata san, mother of Shio and her brother, a sister, a grandmother, a long time member of her church, and a beloved friend to many, will be lovingly remembered for her kind and generous spirit.
Rumiko was always a great supporter and helper to Hirata san in the many, many years of the Silk Study Tour to Japan. Always ready to be a gracious host to those who traveled with us, she welcomed our group into her home every year, even to this last visit in May when it was difficult to do so. I was fortunate to also spend time with the Hiratas in their home after the tours and take trips around their beloved Kamakura for shopping, sightseeing, and dining. We even took a car trip on an off tour year -just the four of us, Rumi, Hirata, Maggie Backman, and myself to suss out new tour visit locations and hot spring hotels. It was a sad farewell this last visit as we said our goodbyes, knowing it would be the last.
Shio was able to temporarily move back to Japan as she aided her father in caretaking Rumi and spend these last precious months with her mother. I am so glad this was able to happen. During this time, Shio provided those of us who knew her and her mother with regular updates on their daily life and moments with Rumiko as her passage became imminent. In this reflective time, I send them peace and love as I sit here remembering all the wonderful memories Rumiko made possible.
Those of us who were there most recently in May of this year, visited their home and gathered in the common room where Rumi had so thoughtfully placed her collection of fabrics for everyone to take as an omiyage. She also made us all small pincushions as a memento of our visit with her. It sits on my working table.

A few memories in no particular order… so many to choose from but I chose these that remind me of Rumi and Hirata’s kind and generous hospitality. She was often present when many photos were taken, preferring not to be the subject of the photograph. But I remember her there, like a silent presence giving strength and energy to the moment.

the usual scene at the Hirata home during a tour

Rumi showing me her new rooftop laundry drying space with a wonderful view of Kamakura-all the way from the mountains to the sea.

Megumi prepares us tea after a shopping excursion.

Breakfast with the Hirata’s

The 2023 tour waves a fond farewell to Rumiko and Hirata as our bus leaves Kamakura

silk shibori scraps from Rumi and her hand made pincushion

shopping and walking the back streets of Kamakura with Rumi and Megumi

spending time in Kamakura

came back for a visit after a tour with Phil and Trevor

Her garden was her passion and her flowers both in the yard and the ones she chose to cut and display inside were exquisite. Her grandchildren, her joy. Kamakura will always contain memories of Rumiko for me.
どもありがとう ルみ！安らかに眠ってください.

heliotrope for Rumi
The heliotrope turns its “face” to follow the path of the sun, just as Clytie in greek mythology, once did. To the Victorians, the heliotrope was thus a sign of devotion and eternal love.