FREDERICK, MD – Feb. 15, 2024: The Community Foundation of Frederick County is excited to announce the creation of two new funds that support local nonprofits as well a foundation in Wyoming that was near and dear to the Higuchi Family’s hearts. Established with an estate gift, these funds are a lasting legacy solidifying Kiyoshi and Thelma Higuchi’s commitment to causes they cared about.
Thelma considered Frederick County her home and cherished the slower pace of country life in Frederick County. Thelma passed away in November at the age of 101 and her estate plans included creating The Kiyoshi and Thelma Higuchi Endowment Fund and The Thelma T. Higuchi Fund for Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation.
Thelma was born and raised in California, and in 1942 her family was sent to the Gila River Internment Camp, one of several camps that detained Japanese Americans during World War II in an effort to curb potential Japanese espionage. Thelma went on to earn a degree in commerce and in 1959 married Kiyoshi. She joined him in Frederick where he was employed at Fort Detrick. They raised one daughter, Annette. Thelma became a realtor, a career she was passionate about into her eighties. According to her obituary, Thelma had a deep love for travel, business and real estate.
“My mother spent most of her life in Frederick and certainly considered it her home,” Annette James said. “She was excited to watch it grow from a small country town to become a thriving and diverse destination spot.”