Toshi Bagwell

Toshi Bagwell, 92, was called home on September 22, 2024, in Alamogordo, New Mexico. She was born on November 5, 1931, in Nakagusuku-Son, Okinawa, Japan to Seizen and Tsuru Iju.
 
Toshi was a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend who spent much of her long life caring for those she loved. Having met the love of her life, William H. Bagwell, Sr., combined with an adventurous and courageous spirit, she married, left her island and moved to the United States. With her tenacious personality, she learned to read, write and speak English fluently, quickly naturalized, fully embraced her American citizenship, acclimated to her new country, and was extremely proud to be an American! At the age of 57, Toshi earned a high school diploma, an accomplishment unachieved due to WWII.  As a dependent, Toshi was afforded the opportunity of experiencing several states and with orders, she even returned “home” (to Okinawa) for several years. In 1985, the Bagwells were stationed at Holloman AFB, their last duty station prior to her husband, SMSgt William H. Bagwell, Sr., retiring. After retirement, the Bagwells chose to plant roots in Alamogordo, where she resided for nearly 40 years. Toshi enjoyed many American pastimes, but she loved football! She was a diehard Green Bay Packers and Washington Huskies fan; she spent many Saturdays and Sundays tuning in and cheering on her teams. Over many years, she spent countless hours in the stands or on the sidelines cheering on her son and many other local youth athletes. Toshi was a true fan of football and thoroughly understood the game! During retirement, Toshi was a member of the Alamogordo Senior Center, where she delighted in visiting with numerous friends and sharing a meal. Over the years, Toshi also enjoyed participating in country line dancing, aerobics, and pinnacle at the center. Fiercely independent, Toshi disliked having to ask for assistance and would only do so if the task was physically impossible. Her deep love, inner strength, independence, strong will, and active lifestyle attribute to her long and happy life. 

Toshi is survived by her sisters and brother, Fumiko, Kiyoko, and Michio, of Okinawa, Japan; son, William H. (Michele) Bagwell, Jr.; granddaughters, Amaia, Ashley (Augustine) and Alyssa (John); great grandson, Christian, of Alamogordo, NM.
 
She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Bagwell, Sr.; parents, Seizen and Tsuru Iju; sister, Sueko Iju; brother, Seisyun Iju; and great granddaughter, Ariana Diaz.
 
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Monte Vista Cemetery with Augustine Candelaria officiating.
 
Friends may visit from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Scenic Chapel; 1334 N. Scenic Drive.
 
The Bagwell family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.

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