Kishi Marvel

Kishi Marvel, 87, of Bear, Delaware, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024, in Pensacola Florida. She was born in Hachinohe, Amori, Japan to Kumataro and Ritsu Furukawa. Kishi was a homemaker, a seamstress, and Macy’s holiday gift wrapping specialist.

Kishi graduated from St. Ursula Academy High School in Hachinohe in 1955. Later, while working as a keypunch operator for the 820th Civil Engineer Squadron at Misawa Air Force Base she met Airman Albert Marvel, the love of her life. They were married in April 1964.

Kishi immigrated to the United States in December 1965 with her husband and young son, leaving her childhood home, family, and friends. As military families do, she and Al moved frequently, living at times with her in-laws and extended American family in Philadelphia, PA, and at duty stations in Washington, DC, and Dover, DE, before raising her three sons in Newark, Delaware.

Kishi always brought light and joy into our lives; her warmth and kindness were constant. Side by side with Al, she was the proud mom at every school event, activity, and athletic field that made up her sons’ lives, radiating love, encouragement, and pride. Her joy was in making others feel special – cooking a favorite meal or dessert, hosting large family picnics every summer and the equally large Christmas dinner and New Year’s Eve party, or finding that special gift to celebrate a holiday, or life event, especially for her grandchildren. She generously shared her love, time, laughter, and wisdom, and made every moment special.

Kishi was preceded in death by her loving husband and partner of 58 years, Albert (Al), her parents, and four siblings.

Kishi is survived by her sons Richard (Lisa), William (Cindy), and James (Denise). She is also survived by grandchildren Christopher, Preston, Owen, Robin, James, Erin, and Sam. She leaves behind sister Kikue Shimotake and many nephews and nieces in Japan; sister-in-law Dorothy A. Garr (Paul, Sr.); nieces, Maria Bannon (Paul), Christine Honey (Bill), and nephew Paul Garr, Jr. (Courage).

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 pm until 12:30 pm on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 12:30 pm. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.