Tsuyako Lightheart (Kanba), age 84, died at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC, on Thursday, May 16, 2013.

Born August 19, 1928, in Daisen, located in Tottori Prefecture, Japan. She met and married Francis Lightheart Jr in 1949. As a military wife and homemaker, she lived in many different places before settling in Charles County, MD, where she continued to support her husband and raise her four children.

Tsu will be especially remembered for her beauty, culinary expertise, and a tenaciousness that allowed her to overcome many physical and mental obstacles.

Survivors include her children Margaret (John) Erdos of Nicholson, PA, Francis (Chris) Lightheart III of La Plata, MD, Teresa (Harry) Dugan of La Plata, MD, and Martin (Mary) Lightheart of Temuco, Chile. Tsu was blessed with 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and one grandchild.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 28 starting at 1030 at Raymond Funeral Service, P.A., 5635 Washington Avenue, La Plata, MD 20646. Services will begin at 1230 with interment to follow at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.

Pallbearers will be Francis Lightheart III, Harry Dugan, James Dugan, John Moss, John Freeman, and Scott Harris.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Georgetown University Hospital for their compassionate help and support.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.