With a heavy heart, Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) mourns the passing of Marsha Aizumi, founder of Okaeri, cherished mentor, bold leader, and dear friend.
After battling cancer, Marsha died peacefully on Dec. 18, surrounded by family.
Marsha founded Okaeri in 2014, dedicating 11 years to empowering, advocating for, and celebrating LGBTQ+ Nikkei and their families. Marsha was a mother figure to anyone in need, always ready with a big hug, a smile, and an open heart. Her thoughtful attention made you feel like the most important person in the room, and her genuine empathy made you feel seen and
deeply cared for.
LTSC is forever grateful for the leadership, insight, and compassion Marsha brought to Okaeri and our community. LTSC officially on-boarded Okaeri as a program this year, and is dedicated to carrying forward Marsha’s legacy of inclusivity and advocacy. As we mourn this heavy loss, we remember the love and joy Marsha brought to others and celebrate her incredible life and vision.
“My mom lived her life rooted in love, advocacy, and deep care for others,” said Aiden Aizumi, Martha’s son. “She touched countless lives through her kindness and courage, and her legacy will continue through the people she inspired. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support during this time.”
“We lost one of the brightest lights in our communities this week — Marsha was an extraordinary leader and human who modeled what it means to hold space and remain open to change,” said Peter Gee, LTSC co-executive director. “Right now, the leaders of Okaeri are processing this loss, and many are finding comfort in the messages of love coming from across the world, sharing how Marsha made them feel seen.
“The Okaeri community will share more about Marsha’s lasting legacy in the weeks to come, but today and as we step into the holiday break, we are going to slow down to openly grieve. Our hearts go out to Marsha’s family — including her chosen family — and all those who loved her.”
Information about Marsha’s memorial service and how to send your condolences will follow shortly. Updates will be posted to: https://www.ltsc.org/in-memoriam-marsha-aizumi
Learn more about Marsha’s passion. Okaeri: www.okaeri.org, her book “Two Spirits, One Heart”: http://www.marshaaizumi.com/book.html, and an archive of her articles in Pacific Citizen: https://www.pacificcitizen.org/category/columnists/aizumi/
LTSC will host in-person and virtual spaces to process this loss in January and February. You can find additional resources for grief and loss with our colleagues at HelpGuide (https://www.helpguide. org/mental-health/grief) and the L.A. County Department of Mental Health (https://dmh.lacounty.gov/mental-health-resources/grief-loss/).