Hiroko Yakabi Newman

Hiroko (Yakabi) Newman, age 78, of Salem, Oregon, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 25, 2025. She was the beloved wife of Frederic S. Newman Jr., to whom she was happily married for 54 years. Together, they enjoyed traveling, eating out, and trading good-natured barbs.

Born in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, on February 17, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Kogen and Tae Yakabi. Hiroko met her husband while working at Machinato Army Base in Okinawa and dedicated herself to raising her children. She was extremely active in her communities and churches throughout the years, most of which were spent in Seoul, Korea, and then Salem, OR. Recognizing a need for Japanese connections and friendship in town, she started the Salem Japanese Women’s Club 50+ in 2012.

A busy and sociable person, Hiroko loved meeting up with friends, hosting gatherings in her home, and cooking for others. She loved to shop and never missed an opportunity to browse an estate sale and seldom left a Goodwill empty-handed. Her passions included flower arranging and tending to her backyard garden.

In addition to her husband, Frederic, Hiroko is survived by her four children: Karen Sims of Salem, OR, Kristine Mackessy (and husband Gregory) of Chelmsford, MA, Katherine Miller (and husband Anthony) of Chelmsford, MA, and Paul Newman (and wife Rachel) of Haslet, TX; her seven grandchildren: Alexandria Sims, Liam and Kai Mackessy, Henry and Samuel Miller, and Kylie and Stella Newman; one brother and sisters, Michiko and Kiniko.

She was predeceased by her parents, a brother, and grandson, Jack Miller.

Hiroko was small in stature but had a large heart and personality. She will be tremendously missed by many.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Hiroko’s honor to the South Salem Senior Center, PO Box 3094, Salem, OR 97302.