Yohko Ernst, a beloved neighborhood matriarch affectionately known as "Everyone's Momma," passed away peacefully at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. She was 92 years old.

Born in the bustling coastal town of Yokohama, Japan, she grew up in the crucible of World War II. Yohko was a woman of remarkable courage and resilience, qualities forged by surviving World War II. At a very young age, she survived the bombing of her hometown and the loss of many family members, including her parents. This was a foundational experience that instilled in her a warrior's strength, survival skills, sharp intuition, and a deep appreciation for life.

Yohko met and married the love of her life, Sgt. Major John (Jack) Ernst, and together they moved to Okinawa, Japan, where they had two children, John and Janet. Military duty called, and Yohko, John, and their children journeyed across the ocean to settle in Silver Spring, Maryland, where they remained to raise their family. Together, they built a life rooted in service, dedication, and family. They were happy to be immersed in the military community and the growing Japanese American community in the DMV area.

While Yohko was a devoted and deeply connected mother to her own children, her maternal heart knew no boundaries. Affectionately known as "Everyone's Momma," she opened her heart, wallet, and home to anyone in need of comfort, guidance, or a listening ear. Her nurturing nature, easy-going attitude, humor, generosity, and legendary cooking drew her children's friends and neighbors to her. She entertained them with her humor and candor and was stern when needed. Yohko was a very sweet person who embraced her role as neighborhood mom, surrogate mom, advisor, and friend to many.

Yohko's life was defined by this unconditional love of family. She adopted the hearts of everyone she met, offering a listening ear without judgment, a fiercely protective lioness spirit, sage advice, and life lessons, often over a meal, snack, dessert, or cup of coffee. Yohko loved cooking Japanese food and was known for her legendary homemade gyoza dumplings, which she shared for many decades with family, friends, and neighbors during family and neighborhood gatherings. Yohko cherished these moments, whether it was a one-on-one visit or a large group event. It was her engaging smile, laughter, and gift for making everyone feel unique and special that people will always remember.

Beyond her devotion to her family and community, Yohko possessed a sharp mind, quick wit, a strong affinity for numbers, keen intuition, and an exceptional ability to read people. These traits served her well in life, especially during her spirited poker and Mah Jong games. Whether sitting around a game table or the kitchen table, she had a rare gift for making everyone feel seen, heard, and loved. This almost always came with a plate of delicious food prepared by Yohko.

A multi-talented woman with many passions, Yohko was an exceptional hostess, an avid knitter and crocheter, and a lover of all forms of life—from nature, flowers, and plants to the many pets she cherished throughout the years. Her Japanese heritage inspired her lifelong appreciation for finding balance with nature.

Yohko loved creating and knitting beautifully vibrant hats, scarves, afghans, and baby blankets. Each was made with love and gifted to friends, coworkers, and family throughout her life. It was a true labor of love that brought her immense joy, and one that brought happiness to everyone fortunate enough to receive one of her handmade gifts.

While Yohko was very down-to-earth, she had exquisite taste and loved fresh international cuisine, high-quality tea, art, and fine dishware. She was also a collector of fine Japanese art, pottery, Japanese dolls, vases, and unique jewelry. Yohko loved classic musicals, Golden Age Hollywood films, westerns, Japanese Kabuki theater, Japanese dance and music, and, most of all, Japanese samurai films and Shirley Temple movies. She also enjoyed sumo wrestling. She loved to read, knit, and explore new places to eat.

While she was an exceptional hostess and fantastic cook, she was an even better mother. She was her children's protector, teacher, mother, and best friend. She valued her role as Mom above all else and instilled in her children a strong work ethic, honesty, and kindness toward others. The beautiful legacy Yohko intentionally left for her loved ones to remember and carry forward was one of endless laughter, gratitude, and a commitment to living life to the fullest with no regrets. Yohko's positivity and endless enthusiasm will always live on in the hearts of her loved ones and everyone blessed to call her friend or Momma. She will be celebrated and remembered by all who loved her.

Yohko Ernst is survived by her loving family: John and Janet Ernst, her niece Nami, and her loyal pet dog, Gigi. Yohko will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery and reunited with her loving husband, Sgt. Major John W. Ernst. The date has yet to be determined and will be shared with family and friends, along with the details of her Celebration of Life. Her family asks that you sign the remembrance book and share stories of how she touched your life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad. Checks may be made payable to Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad and mailed to:

Wheaton Volunteer Rescue SquadP.O. Box 1577 Wheaton, MD 20915

Or donations may be made online at: https://www.wvrs.org