Machi Rodgers, née Machiko Shimizu
On the afternoon of 29th September 2025, Machi passed away at home in her daughter’s arms after a short battle with cancer.
Although Machi was born to Roku and Ruriko Shimizu in Saitama, her formative years were spent in Tokyo, Japan. An excellent writer, Machi went on to work at Gakken Publishing company as a children’s book editor and also a fashion magazine editor. Machi was an incredible poet, and her writing gave her amazing opportunities. She hosted a weekly show on Japanese television, reading her poems accompanied by a jazz quartet and her lyrics were used on successful television detective shows in the late 1960s/1970s.
In 1970, Machi’s life became a lot more rock and roll when she met her husband, Paul Rodgers and moved to the UK. Setting up home in Guildford and Kingston, Machi entertained music legends with her famous incredible food.
Machi was effortlessly glamorous, and her beauty was especially striking. She was asked to model for Vogue (which she turned down) and was featured on a documentary about Chanel. Despite this, Machi was a very deep person, and her gentle sweetness won the hearts of everyone who met her. She was incredible with animals and plants and in her later life developed a love of photography, capturing beautiful flowers and skies.
Machi is survived by her son, Steve and his children, and her daughter Jasmine.
Committal
DATE AND TIME
Saturday 18th October 2025, 11:20am
ADDRESS
North East Surrey Crematorium, Lower Morden Lane, Morden, Surrey, SM4 4NU
Reception
DATE AND TIME
Saturday 18th October 2025, 12:20pm
ADDRESS
Hotel Du Vin, Cannizaro House, West Side Common, London, SW19 4UE
If arrangements change
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