Tomoe Dunning
Tomoe Dunning
On March 23, 2021, Tomoe Dunning, left this earth and was promoted into glory as she went into the Lord’s arms. We lost a beautiful woman who truly held heaven in her hands and handed it out to everyone she knew.
Tomoe was born on July 17, 1959 in Sasebo, Japan. After the death of her mother, she was adopted by her older sister and husband, Gary and Yoshiko Watson. At the age of 13, in 7th grade, she met the love of her life, Robert L. Dunning. They were married on July 28th, 1979 and were wonderfully married for almost 42 years. They had three children Stephen, Joy and David who she absolutely adored. Tomoe graduated from USC, in 1982, with a Bachelors Degree in East Asian Languages and Culture. She worked in Silicon Valley for 20+ years as an Executive Administrator and HR Manager. She loved gardening, her grandchildren, and joining Bob on layovers all over the world. Tomoe was a Gold Star Mother and active in her church.
Tomoe was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She loved anyone and everyone and most of all our Lord Jesus Christ. She gave recklessly and the beauty she shared was not of this world. She was faithful, humble, generous and never judged. It wasn’t unusual to have a new guest staying in her house for days, weeks, months or even years. Over the years, even during her two-and-half-year battle with cancer, she continued to touch people’s hearts and lives with the goal of making their lives better and showing them Jesus. One of the last things she said to her husband was, “no regrets”. Tomoe lived her life fully and wants everyone to live theirs the same way, with no regrets. Let those you love know it daily. Don’t go to bed angry. Travel, enjoy, share and use your best china everyday.
Tomoe is survived by her husband Robert Dunning; her daughter Joy Coy (BJ); her son David Dunning; her sister/mom Yoshiko Watson (Gary); her sisters/nieces Rene Watson and Michelle Ballew (Kurt); her grandchildren Selah, Jaxen and Joslyn Coy; and her nieces and nephews and other relatives.
Tomoe was preceded in death by her son Stephen Dunning; her parents Hikaru and Yaeko Fukae.
“Your last moment will be your richest moment, better than the day of your birth will be the day of your death. It shall be the beginning of heaven, the rising of a sun that shall go no more down forever!” – Charles Spurgeon
A memorial service will be held on May 1st 11am at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kirkland, WA. We will also have it live on youtube at the following link as well for anyone who can’t make it in person:
Dress code is casual and colorful. Mom loved pretty colors and being comfortable so we want to do the same. Please make sure to wear a mask as well.
Tomoe was not one to want to waste money on things of this world that aren’t needed, and requested that in lieu of flowers to make a donation to Agua y Mas Ministries, www.aguaymas.org. It is an orphanage/women’s shelter in Mexico run by a dear friend. Any support would be very appreciated.
15 Responses to “Tomoe Dunning”
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Tomoe was such a loving Woman. Forever a loving Wife & Mother. She gave Love & Compassion to everyone she met. I knew Tomoe for 42 years, I will miss her joyous ways FOREVER. God Bless
I was fortunate in being able to work with Tomoe for about 8 years. Tomoe was the kindest most generous person that I ever worked with. She will be deeply missed,
I too was fortunate enough to have worked with Tomoe. I have so many memories of her humor and thoughtfulness that I could write a book. She was my “work mom” while I was pregnant with both of my kids, and she never stopped her nurturing ways. A bright star has indeed been added to the sky and I will miss her very much.
I worked with Tomoe at NETSCOUT and she was such a beautiful person inside and out. A heart for Jesus and she was His hands and feet at work. She was loved and will be missed by all. She received the most important promotion yet— in His presence!! ❤️
I have lost a mother but heaven ❤ has gained an angel . She made me not to feel an orphan
I had the sincere pleasure of working with Tomoe at NETSCOUT. She was a delight to know and work with for what feels too short a time. She was always optimistic, energetic and kind in everything she did. It is comforting to know she was ready to leave this world and with no regrets. May we all have that gift. Sending prayers of healing and comfort to her family and all who love her.
The world lost a beautiful soul that forever touched my life, Tomoe Dunning. My brother and Tomoe began dating in the 7th grade when I was just 8, there are few memories in my life that somehow do not have her included in them. While I am grateful that she is no longer in pain, I am deeply saddened by her loss from Cancer. She was a model of honesty, integrity, morality, and love. Over the years she touched literally thousands of people’s hearts and lives with the goal of making their lives better. While she is no longer with us on this planet, she will always be with us in spirit and will never be forgotten.
My team and I had the opportunity to work with Tomoe in connection with her role at NetScout. Tomoe was one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have ever had the chance to work with. She had a wonderful sense of humor and proportion, and her keen desire to help the employees would always shine through. Though much of our professional relationship was conducted over the phone and email, I’m grateful to have had the chance to actually meet her during one of her trips out East. It was then that we learned of her incredible story, and how she came to this country.
Tomoe has truly left a legacy of love. That is more than most of us can ever hope to accomplish, but Tomoe has hit it out of the park. I pray for her eternal happiness, and I know she is shining bright.
Thank you for your beautiful example, Tomoe! Until we meet again.
Dyann and the Seyfarth Team
I had the distinct pleasure to work with Tomoe for over 10 years. Not only was she extremely professional and knowledgeable, she was a joy to work with. I never saw here with a frown on her her face, and she always had an upbeat vibe and a pleasant word. She is truly missed. May God Bless her family and to her children and grandchildren, remember, she is never truly gone as you are her legacy here on earth and you carry her forward with you every day.
I will always remember the kindness Tomoe showed me by allowing me to live with her and her family while waiting for my place to move into. She was very supportive she and Bob and made me feel like family. She even helped me get out of debt she and Bob. Such a beautiful/loving sister in Christ. She was a beautiful wife,mother, and grandmother that loved God and justice and fairness. She was also very merciful. She truly left her mark in this world and now she’s receiving her reward.
I met Tomoe and Bob at our church Jubilee while ushering together. Tomoe helped me by letting me live with she and her family for 3 months while i wad awaiting for my place to be completed to move in. She was very supportive, caring, and loving towards me, she and Bob. She accepted me at a crucial time in my life. She anf Bob helped me get out of debt plus gave me financial advice and support. She was a very kind and caring person.
What a wonderful tribute to Tomoe! My time at Yo-Hi was before hers (1963-1967), so I never knew her or Robert. Wish I had. From the other comments it’s clear that Tomoe ran the race well, with her eyes fixed upon Jesus. Well done, good and faithful servant!!
Tiny Angel with enormous wings.
Tomoe was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever known, a beautiful dove who made me feel welcome when I was a baby Christian at Jubilee. She was always full of joy and others fed off her exuberance and love for God. I am glad to know that she is in Heaven and will be there to greet the rest of us when our time comes. God bless Bob and the entire family and know that we love you dearly.
During the 70’s there was a large group of us, all friends who went to the movies to watch “Enter the Dragon”. It was the first time Tomoe had seen it and within the first 3 min’s of the film we were all in awe. We all did the same thing again to see “Saturday Night Fever” and to our surprise, in the scene where Travolta is waking up in bed and the camera pans to a poster on the wall with Lee, Tomoe yelled out in the theater she was so excited. It cracked us all up.
It’s hard to think of Tomoe at any time and not see her smile when you do so. The memories transcend time and within the blink of an eye, she is there within us…her presence, full of life.
The decades she has touched all of us. Making a difference even in a simple passing. The thoughts that continue to remind us of who she is, what she’d become. It’s endless.
And, what a coruscating job she did. Her life, her love, her family…living on within each of them. No wonder she always smiled.