Passing of Our Beloved Sister, Mari Oyamada

Our most beloved sister, Mari Oyamada, of the Columbus Family Church, ascended suddenly to the Spirit World on Tuesday, February 28, after a battle with cancer. Mari has been a very involved member of her church community and active with the Women’s Federation for World Peace. She is known for her sparkling and joyful personality, and will be sorely missed by her loving family and many friends. Mari is survived by her husband of 34 years, Mamoru, daughter Emi, brothers John and Jaime, and sisters Bev and Jeanne.

Let us support Mari’s family during this important and special time, and offer our prayers for her victorious transition to a glorious new life in the spiritual world.

Following is a biography for Mari and information about her Seonghwa ceremony.

Dr. Ki Hoon Kim Continental Director

Dr. Michael Balcomb President

The Victorious Life of Mari Oyamada July 26, 1956 - February 28, 2017

Mari Oyamada was born on July 26, 1956 in Barre, Vermont to Franklin and Elsie DeForge, as the oldest of 5 children. Her brothers are John DeForge and Jaime DeForge and sisters are Bev Kinne and Jeanne DeForge. Mari started her schooling in a one room schoolhouse in Graniteville, VT. She then attended Barre primary schools and graduated from Spaulding High School. She completed a few semesters at the University of Vermont where she decided to join the Unification Church. This is where she met her husband Mamoru Oyamada. They were Blessed by True Parents and married on July 1, 1982.

Mari had one daughter, Emi Oyamada, born on August 30, 1993. The family moved around before settling in Ohio in 1999. She became an active part of the local church. She also got a job at the Ohio State University. She was a secretary and bookkeeper for the Center for the Study and Teaching of Writing. A job which she loved.

She had to leave Ohio State University due to health issues with herself and her daughter. Mari struggled through Endometrial Cancer and numerous other health issues. On her good days she would help the

Women’s Federation for World Peace by doing volunteer work for the community, for women’s rights and enrichment of education.

In her free time she enjoyed reading, crocheting, swimming, crafting with Emi, car rides, thrift shopping, and has always had a love for Science Fiction. Her favorites were Star Trek, Samurai Jack, Doctor Who, and Harry Potter. Her favorite author was Sharon Shinn.

Despite her medical issues, she was a happy lady who enjoyed making people laugh. Her favorite color was pink, she loved Unicorns and anything that sparkled. She attended many conventions

including Science Fiction conventions and then started attending Anime Conventions with her daughter. She ended up getting George Takei’s autograph at a Sci-Fi convention in 1992 in Burlington, VT.

After a being in and out of the hospital, she died suddenly on February 28, 2017.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Mari’s Seoungwha Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at UC Columbus: 4303 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214

The Viewing will take place from 4 pm

The Seoungwha Ceremony will begin at 5 pm

Support to Mari’s Family Please visit the Donation Page in Memory of Mari Oyamada