Junko Matsubara Taylor

Junko Taylor died peacefully at home on August 5, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Junko was born on March 8, 1936, to Dr. Seiji and Chiyo Matsubara in Susa, Japan where she fell in love with the outdoors and ocean. Junko was the second youngest of five children and graduated from Hagi High School and Kyoto Women’s University. 

After college she moved to Osaka to work for the Red Cross and then Tokyo, Japan where she met the love of her life, Lt. Col Fred Taylor, USAF, Retired. The couple met at an airport terminal when Fred was a pilot and Junko a flight attendant. They shared a love of music, current events, and laughter. After marrying in Tokyo, the couple honeymooned in Hawaii and moved to Oxon Hill, Maryland while Fred was stationed at Bolling AFB. Fred and Junko settled in Newport News, Virginia where they raised their family and actively participated in their daughters’ activities, particularly swimming. 

After Fred passed away from cancer in 1991, Junko enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, crafting, and exercising. In 2007, Junko moved to Denver so she could spend more time with her granddaughters. She shared a special bond with them until her passing. She is survived by her daughters June Taylor and Irene Kawanabe, son-in-law Kenzo Kawanabe, and granddaughters Mika and Aya Kawanabe.

Junko will be interred with Fred at Arlington National Cemetery. Services to be held on September 16, 2023 at 11:00 am, at the Denver Buddhist Temple, 1947 Lawrence St., Denver, CO 80202. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Junko’s honor can be made to the Sakura Foundation or the Denver Buddhist Temple.