Michiko Bennett

Michiko Yasunaga Bennett, November 10, 1931 - June 13, 2019, peacefully went home to the Lord, surrounded by her family and friends. Michiko was born in Kobe, Japan and survived the atrocities of WWII. In Japan, she learned English, met and married the love of her life, Robert Bennett in 1958, who was serving in the Air Force. It was also in Japan where she heard the gospel from missionaries, came to know the Lord, and got saved through faith by grace. Michiko and Robert moved back to the United States where they eventually settled in Albuquerque, NM and adopted their two daughters, Vanessa and Dianne, and became life-long members of Manzano Baptist Church.

Michiko was primarily a homemaker, but worked at the Base Exchange, and as a translator for a children’s clothing company.  A renowned cook, especially Japanese food, people would always look forward to her meals and, during potlucks, people would purposefully wait to eat until her food arrived. Michiko was also a master at crochet and knitting. Many people have worn her gorgeous clothes, scarves, and shawls, or adorned their homes with her beautiful works. Michiko was also fiercely independent; living in and taking care of her home, even driving at 87, until she became ill.

Michiko was a small woman but her heart was quite large. She loved her family and provided the greatest care to her husband, children, and grandchildren, even when they became adults. She would always visit the sick, cooking them delicious meals, and selflessly donated to those in need. Putting others before herself, she will always be remembered for her kindness and generosity, but mostly for her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Michiko is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Bennett. She is survived by two daughters, Vanessa Stueber, and Dianne Peterson; three grandchildren, Joshua Stueber, Elisa Bradford, and Bethany Peterson; and two great-grandchildren, Carson and Scarlett Bradford.

Michiko had many people that loved her, but it was through her illness that her family realized how loved she was through the wonderful and selfless kindness of her friends, neighbors, church members, and family friends. There aren’t enough words to express how thankful the family is for the visits, flowers, cards, gifts, food, and care. The family would like to thank the Craig missionary family in Japan for communicating to Michiko’s family, Leigh Knox, R.N. and the wonderful care team at Hospice de la Luz, and Atencion Family Services. A very special thank you to Michiko’s caregiver, Beatriz Mares, who truly loved her and gave her the best, most committed care to the very end. In lieu of flowers, donations to our missionary family in Japan, The Craigs c/o Manzano Baptist Church is greatly appreciated.

Friends may visit Monday, June 24, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. The Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, June 25, 2019, 10:00 a.m., at Manzano Baptist Church, 12411 Linn Ave NE. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.