Fumie Okaya Teitelbaum

Obituary

Fumie Okaya Teitelbaum, passed away peacefully August 1, 2026, at 93, surrounded by family, at
her residence in Tampa.

Fumie was born on January 10, 1933 in Tokyo, Japan and lived a life that epitomized courage,
adventure, and love. The youngest of 5 girls, she endured the hardships of wartime Japan. Food was
scarce, so her mother would sneak her the last bits of rice and order her to hide to eat. Her sisters
worked so she could attend school.

Fumie graduated from high school where she learned English. When she started work as an American
Embassy clerk at Johnson AB, rule changes required military personnel to get passports. A young 2nd
Lt., Bob Teitelbaum, was advised to bring American ice cream for faster service. After meeting Fumie,
the smitten Lieutenant asked her to join him for a double date. He took her on dates on the back of
his scooter (“How did I wind up dating the only American Officer who didn’t own a car?”)

After marrying in Tokyo in 1958 despite the objections of both families, they embarked on a life of
travel and adventure. Without looking back, she raised 3 children in Japan, California, Colorado,
Germany, and Virginia. Amongst the many challenges: learning to deal with foreign languages and
cultures without any family, her husband’s long assignments far from home, 3 children, and the world’s
most difficult dog- the infamous Chibi. Despite all of this, she thrived. Among her many achievements:
she turned her 3 children into productive citizens, became an incredible cook and foodie, achieved
bridge Life Master, converted to Judaism, and made many wonderful friends. Fumie was always
fashionable and fed everyone around her. Her love for her family had no limits. Although she was never
comfortable in the water and disliked being on any boat smaller than a cruise ship, she took swim
lessons and spent time on boats of all sizes to accompany her water loving family. Fumie loved
classical music and was disappointed by her childrens refusal to practice piano. Much to her joy, she
saw succeeding generations demonstrate musical skill.

Fumie was an endless source of unconditional love, wisdom, and kindness. Spending time with
grandchildren and great grandchildren was her greatest pleasure. She became the foundation that
supported a large family which continues to expand. Fumie is survived by children Alex (Mary LaRue),
Don (Julianna Lindsey), and Romie Heidt (Rick), and niece Maura Black. She has 12 grandchildren,
Greg (Britt Powell), Adam (Felipe Dizon), Abby Evans (Meghan Fitzgerald), David (Grace Elliott),
Tommy Drury (Damali Lizarazu), Katie Drury (Ryan Mascolo), Alison Drury (Tariq Habis), Justin
Iverson (Susan), Campbell, Chad Heidt, Robbie Heidt (Avianna Gordon), Alex Heidt (Ayaha
Hariyama), and great grandchildren, Scout, Wyatt, Hana, Ella, Myla, (and another on the way!).
Although predeceased by her sisters, Fumie is survived by many in Japan. Fumie didn’t restrict her
definition of family to blood and marriage. She considered Marcia Barriffe and Donneth Wedderburn
(to whom she was deeply grateful) to be “family by choice.” She had very special feelings for the
friends she and Bob made at Arbor Terrace.

Fumie’s marriage to Bob deserves special mention. Through 68 years of marriage, life on 3 continents,
and challenges including armed conflicts, long deployments, and health challenges, their love remained
strong. Bob passed away on July 11 at the age of 92 after a courageous battle with cancer. His
longevity was based on his desire to remain with, and care for, Fumie. Fumie passed away four days
after Bob’s funeral and one day after their 68 anniversary. It is clear to her family that with Bob gone
and her family leading happy lives she viewed her work here as done and decided to follow Bob on
their next great adventure.

Burial will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 11:30 a.m. on August 7, followed by a
celebration of life at Arbor Terrace Independent living in Tampa at 2:30 p.m