Fujiyo "Fudge" Tashiro

Fujiyo "Fudge" Tashiro

Fujiyo "Fudge" Tashiro, born in Brighton, Colorado, to Katsubei and Hisano Sakaguchi, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. She was the fourth of ten children. Fudge was married to Masato (Mike) Tashiro on March 3, 1942, a union that lasted 42 years. Their families were neighboring farmers, and their mothers, recognizing a perfect match, eagerly brought them together.

Fudge embraced the life of a farmer's wife with hard work, dedication, and love. Together, she and Mike worked their 160-acre farm, raising sugar beets, gladiolas, cabbage, onions, and other vegetables. Though the work was often backbreaking, Fudge’s determination and support played a crucial role in the farm’s success.

Fudge longed to be a mother and was blessed with five children: Edward (Eddie), Harvey, Norman, Lorraine, and, after a 9½-year gap, Naomi.

In the late 1950s, Fudge helped Mike open the renowned Terrace Inn, famous for its "Terrace Ds"—delicious hamburgers and fries. It became a popular spot for celebrities such as Craig Morton and Alice from The Brady Bunch, and Fudge’s holiday parties, with all the food prepared by her, were beloved by their loyal employees.

After Mike's passing in 1984, Fudge continued raising their five children. She found a sense of fulfillment at the Brighton Senior Center, where she taught cooking classes, led Muffin Day, cooked for the Spaghetti Luncheon and was a part of so many activities there. She became a main figure in helping the Senior Center thrive.

When Fudge moved into town, she made sure to create a large garden. Her garden, filled with eggplants, tomatoes, spinach, green beans, kabocha squash, Anaheim peppers, and Armenian cucumbers, became her pride and joy. Fudge would often sit among her plants, talking to them with the kind of patience that made them flourish. Her love for her garden was a testament to her nurturing spirit, and she often told her daughter Naomi, “You can actually see them grow.”

Later in life, Fudge enjoyed her favorite breakfast: butter, peanut butter, and jam toast. She also loved working on her word search books and would often write notes or her name within the pages. But more than that, she treasured the quiet moments spent at the kitchen table with her two daughters and, when they could make it home, her sons.

Fudge is survived by her son Harvey, daughters Lorraine and Naomi, five grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and her sister Yaye. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Mike, her parents, her two sons Eddie and Norman, and eight of her siblings.

Fudge’s legacy of love, strength, and community will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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