Emiko Watanabe Brice, born January 17, 1929, peacefully passed away July 30, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.  She was the beloved firstborn child of Hiroshi Watanabe and Toyona Watanabe.  She was blessed with a large and loving family, growing up alongside four brothers, including her twin brother, and one sister.

From an early age, Emiko demonstrated remarkable talent in the arts and a passion for learning.  She pursued a career in nursing, graduating with distinction before serving as a nurse, during the Korean War, at the United States Military Hospital in Tokyo, Japan.  It was there that she met the love of her life, Trinnie A. Brice, an American Army Staff Sergeant.

Their love story began across cultures and continents.  In keepig with Japanese tradition, Trinnie respectfully sought and received permission from Emiko's father to marry her.  She embarked on a life-changing journey, traveling by ship to California and then by train to Kentucky to begin their life together.  Emiko and Trinnie were married July 11, 1955, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned more than 56 years until Trinnie's passing in January 2012.

Emiko embraced her new home in Kentucky while proudly honoring her Japanese heritage.  She was a founding member of the Cincinnati Japanese Wives Club and the Florence Homemakers Club during the 1960's, helping foster friendship, cultural appreciation and community among families.

Although trained as a nurse, Emiko devoted her life to her family as a loving homemaker, wife and mother.  Her home was always a place of warmth, kindness, generosity and unwavering love.  She found her greatest joy in caring for those she loved and in watching her family grow through the generations.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Dottie Hardy (Phil Hardy); Donald Brice (Darlene Brice); and Darlene Wright (Dr. James Wright).  She also leaves behind sixteen cherished grandchildren and nine treasured great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness and pride to her life. 

Emiko's quiet strength, gentle spirit, unwavering devotion to her family and graceful resilience will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.  Her life was a testament to faith, love, sacrifice and family.  Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the generations she nurtured and the countless lives she touched with her compassion and kindness.

May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with her beloved husband Trinnie, and all those who have gone before her.  God bless us and keep us all in His mercy.

Funeral services will be held 1 PM Wednesday, August 5, 2025, at the Floral Hills Funeral Home, Chapel A, where visitation will be held from 11-1 PM.  Interment to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.  Floral Hills is honored to serve the Brice family.