Yoshiko C. Groenleer

July 24, 1943 - February 20, 2022

Yoshiko was born in Haebaru, Okinawa, in 1943 and passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on 02/20/2022 at home in San Antonio, Texas. She was adventurous and dreamed of coming to America in her teens which led her to marry Carl Groenleer in 1969. She became a US citizen and their adventure took them around the world from Europe to Asia with their 4 children during his 20+ years in the military. Being a lifelong Buddhist, her SGI-USA community brought her joy that spilled over to her family, friends and neighbors who were all spoiled by her Okinawan (and sometimes “Americanized”) cuisine. Everyone who met her experienced a welcoming spirit that put them at ease with her smile and sunny disposition. Deeply impacting her family and friends, she was at peace with everyone and the world around her. Her life was the epitome of faith, humility, discipline, strength, courage and loyalty to and sacrifice for her family. She was a breath of fresh air carrying the essence of the Spirit of Okinawa wherever she went and her presence in the lives of those who knew her will be sorely missed. She is predeceased by her husband, Carl Groenleer and her son, Robert along with her parents, Kochin and Tsuruko Chinen and her brother Yukio Chinen. She is survived by her children, Windy, Henry and Jackie, her sister, Toshie, her brothers, Yukimasa, Yukihiko and Yukihiro along with 3 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South.