Toyoko Baranowski

Toyoko “Terry” Baranowski, age 94 of St. Anne, IL passed away on December 24, 2024 at Citadel of Bourbonnais. She was born January 21, 1930 in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Japan, the daughter of Toji and Kayo (Yano) Nakajima. Toyoko married Richard Baranowski on September 6, 1956 at the American Consult in Koba, Japan. They were married until 1976. Richard preceded her in death. Toyoko received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Foreign Language and English Literature from Baika University in Osaka, Japan. She worked several years for KDD Company in Japan in Teletype Translation and Overseas Telephone Communications before moving to the United States. Toyoko later worked for W.R. Grace Co. (Baker and Taylor) in Momence, IL as a Check Auditor, Invoice Processor, until she retired in 1988. Throughout her working years Toyoko continued to utilize her skills as interpreter/translator, working from 1976 – 2010 as liaison for Mr. David Pepin of To Nihon Ltd. (arts and antiques gallery). Toyoko enjoyed figure skating and was an avid equestrian while growing up in Japan. She enjoyed spending time with her 3 sons and their families, many times joining them on trips to Florida and resorts in Minnesota. She enjoyed the opera and ballet and had a circle of women friends that attended events regularly. Toyoko had a close group of international women friends who got together regularly and spent time cooking, laughing and enjoying each others’ company. Toyoko’s love of travel extended through Asia, Europe, and the US with her longtime companion Bob Bush. Toyoko was of the Christian faith. Surviving are three sons, Michael and Paula (Hoekstra) Baranowski of St. Anne, IL, Wayne and Lori (Gubbins) Baranowski of Bourbonnais, IL, Gary and Nancy (Salm) Baranowski of Otsego, MN; one sister, Miyoko (Nakajima) Irie of Osaka, Japan as well as her remaining family in Japan; five grandchildren, Ryan Baranowski of St. Anne, IL, Chad Baranowski of St. Anne, IL, Megan (Baranowski) and William Pearl of Spring, TX, Allissa and Brandon Miller of Batavia, IL, Lucas Baranowski of New York, NY; and six great grandchildren. Toyoko is preceded in death by her parents; her ex-husband, Richard; one sister and two brothers-in-law, Kazuko (Nakajima) and Satoru Aogaki of Kyoto, Japan, Shinzaburo Irie of Osaka, Japan; and longtime companion, Bob Bush of Canandaigua, NY. Cremation rites will take place and a private family service will be held. Arrangements are by Clancy-Gernon Funeral Homes, Bourbonnais.

Toyoko Baranowski

January 21, 1930 - December 24, 2024