Tsuruyo Ushijima Harvey

It is with love and great sadness that we announce the passing of Tsuruyo Ushijima Harvey (Terry), 96, of Spring City on July 18, 2026 after a long and fulfilling life.

Terry was born on July 4, 1930 in Fukuoka, Japan to parents Fuji and Wakichi Ushijima. She grew up in the midst of the chaos of World War II next to the beach where her father was a fisherman.

While she was still in high school, she attended a separate secretary course. In 1945, at the age of 15 while on the train, she met Jerry, 16, an American Army soldier and they instantly connected. However, since Jerry was too young to be in the Army, he was sent back to the states to wait until he turned 17. Once allowed, he promptly returned back to Japan to be with Terry. They faced many obstacles from the Army command trying to get married. But after almost 12 years of their application being denied, a new commander finally signed off on their paperwork, and they were able to be married. They had 57 devoted years together until Jerry passed in 2002.

Terry and Jerry travelled all over the world while serving 24 years in the Army. She was so proud when she became a U.S. citizen. She always said she was meant to be an American because she was born on the 4th of July. They had two children and finally settled down in Pennsylvania where they were stationed prior.

While in Japan, Terry worked for a large firm until she realized they continually wanted her to get them tea. She was a secretary, not a tea girl so she told them "You can get your own tea!" and resigned. In the states, she worked as a seamstress in Georgia and Pennsylvania. After Jerry’s retirement, she worked in a number of knitting mills in the area, lastly at Spring City Knitting for many years and had many friends there. She would make beautiful, handmade pieces for her family as well and we never went without T-shirts for sure!

Terry had a passion for swing dancing, was an amazing cook, and loved painting, sequin crafts, and gardening. She could grow anything. One time, she came home from work and found a garage had been placed on top of her garden. She was not too pleased, but started another one, and it bloomed even better than the last.

Later in life, she was a part of what we called the "Japanese Ladies gang +1". They would get together and hit the local buffets to celebrate birthdays and enjoy each others' company, in Japanese of course!

Above all, Terry was a fantastic and devoted mom, grandma, and gigi. She was always there for her family with her wisdom and kindness. She was graceful, patient and always listened to her family's stories, tragedies and stupid remarks. Only many years later, did we find out that when she would say "Oh! Is that so?" she really meant "I love you, so I’ll pretend I’m listening". So classic Mom!

Terry is lovingly survived by her son Dennis Harvey (Debbie Mort-Gaus), daughter Tina Harvey (Joe Evans), niece Mariko Ushijima, two grandchildren Cheyenne Markey (Kyle Markey) and John Harvey (Roszen Flores Harvey), and great grandchildren Maverick, Alexander, and McKinley. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Gerald Harvey, her parents, three sisters, one brother, and granddaughter Midori Rain.

Interment will be at Limerick Garden of Memories and will be private. A celebration of life will be held in the near future by immediate family.

A special thank you to AseraCare Hospice, especially Chris, her nurse for years, and Donna, her loving CNA. Thank you both for always being compassionate, caring, and for treating her like a member of your own family.

Mom, you will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

XOXO