Lillian Wei-o Shinohara, age 76, passed away in Boston, MA on April 10, 2024 after a brief illness. Lillian was born in Taipei, Taiwan to Dr. Chi-Chen Kao and Mrs. Ying-Ying Kao and grew up there prior to moving to the United States to attend college. She completed her Master's in Library Sciences at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she met Dr. Toshimichi Shinohara. They were married in 1974 and settling in Rockville, Maryland, raising two sons there. She later spent a decade in Boston prior to moving to Omaha, Nebraska before ultimately returning to Massachusetts to retire on the Cape. 

 

Lillian was known for her kindness, artistic talent, and fierce loyalty. In her younger years, she skillfully painted animals and landscapes in the traditional Chinese style. She liked to read, particularly about history, and enjoyed a good meal. She loved to shop and bargain with vendors, and she usually ended up getting the better end of the deal. She also enjoyed collecting anything that caught her eye, from interesting pebbles to porcelain pigs (she was born in the year of the pig) and shiny jewelry. She often found special treasures during her many travels with her husband and children to various parts of the world.

 

Lillian loved her family and some of her greatest joy came from spending time with them, particularly her grandchildren. Lillian is survived by her brother, Dr. Vincent Ko (Pauline Ko), and her husband, Toshimichi and their two sons, Eric and Allan. She loved her two daughter in-laws, Laura and Heayon, and was a proud grandmother to Madeline, Max, Charlotte and Alexis, who were her pride and joy.

 

A celebration of life will be held at Magni Funeral Home, 365 Watertown St, in Newton, MA on Friday, April 19th from 4-6 pm.