Mari Oyamada was born July 26, 1956 in Barre, Vermont to Franklin and Elsie DeForge. As the oldest of 5 children her brothers are John 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 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 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 started out as an active part of the church; after which she 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 very.

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.

Unfortunately, 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.

Most recently her health had turned for the worst which resulted in her sudden passing on February 28, 2017.  Mari had years of health issues causing the family great financial hardship. Her husband continues to work two jobs to make ends meet but medical bills still prevail leaving nothing for her last rites. We have found a respectable funeral service provider and selected a nice cemetary for Mari.

We would like to ask for you support now during this difficult time in the Oyamada household.  No gift is too small and everything is greatly appreciated.  Please feel free to leave a comment or even a memory to show how Mari impacted your life.

Thank you in advance and God Bless.