Marumi Braskett

Marumi “Mako” Braskett, my beautiful wife and best friend, passed away on October 30, 2023. I miss her dearly.

Marumi was born on September 20, 1958, in Tokyo, Japan, to Sakuo and Teruko (Ito) Okuda. She graduated from Otsuma High School before attending Tokyo Foreign Language School to pursue an associate degree in foreign language.

Eventually, Marumi would move to Vancouver, Washington, where she worked at a company called Nissan. Because she was bilingual, she would book cargo vessels for Japanese clients to and from the United States. While In Vancouver, Marumi attended business school at Clark College for two years. Being the kind soul she was, Marumi would also volunteer at the local hospital.

Marumi moved to Great Falls, Montana in 2005, and a year later, married the love of her life, Teddy Williams. While here, Marumi was employed at Wadell & Reed, and later at NEW.

Marumi was an avid craft person, making roses from sugar, crafting jewelry, sculpting clay figurines, and crocheting. She loved making many little clothes for her and Ted’s six poodles. She took pride in her gourmet baking and cooking, and it seemed that everything she touched was delicious. She even taught a Wilton cake decorating course at Clark College.

Marumi absolutely loved animals and was what most people call a dog mom. As her older dogs had puppies, she even helped the littles come into this world, and when needed would give them mouth to mouth to save them. Marumi had even nursed some baby squirrels until they were big enough to be on their own. The amount of love she poured into everything she did was apparent to those around her.

Marumi was preceded in death by her father, Sakuo Okuda; paternal grandparents, Minoru and Kei Okuda; and maternal grandparents, Kametaro and Shin Ito.

She is survived by her loving husband, Teddy Williams; mother, Teruko Okuda; and sister, Miwako Okuda.

Marumi’s soothing and graceful personality will be missed more than words can express.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there. I did not die.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marumi Braskett, please visit our floral store.