Fumiko E. Mitamura

Fumiko E. Mitamura went peacefully to her eternal home with the Lord on June 26, 2013. She was surrounded by family, friends and wonderful Odyssey Hospice angels that gently cared for her in her final hours. Fumiko was born to the late Yaichi and Yone Matsuura on March 13, 1923 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was the widow to the late Robert Yoshinaga Mitamura. Fumiko and Robert were the owners of the Little Chef Delicatessen in Kailua, Hawaii (on the island of Oahu) for 20 years. Their small family restaurant was known for its delicious local fare. It was a favorite stop for surfers after a day at the beach, the local police and fire department, and other faithful regulars who came in on a daily basis. Fumiko and Robert worked tirelessly in their family restaurant by never taking a day off (except for New Year's Day). In addition to their restaurant, they also had a catering business that provided delicious appetizers, meals and desserts for yacht clubs, golf clubs, beach clubs, corporate organizations and private parties. In her spare time (usually in the late evening and early morning hours), Fumiko would sew wonderful, original creations for her daughter to wear to school. After retiring from the restaurant business, Fumiko continued to work, always wanting to keep busy. She worked at various jobs in the clothing industry and especially enjoyed working at Goodwear, a small dress shop in downtown Honolulu, where she made some life-long friends. Fumiko took the currents of her life with a "go with the flow" attitude, which allowed her to be at peace with herself and the circumstances of her life. She was never down for long and possessed inner fortitude and faith that made her a loyal, loving wife and mother. She was fiercely independent and lived for many years on her own in Hawaii after her husband passed away in 1984. In 2008, Fumiko moved to San Antonio to live with her daughter, Amy Gates, after coming to the realization that she could no longer live on her own. Despite the deep emotions she felt upon leaving her home of 60+ years, she did her best to maintain a good attitude regarding her move from her beloved Hawaiian Islands. Fumiko will always be remembered for her mischievous and wry humor. She cared deeply and her love for her family was unwavering. For her, family always came first and she often would overlook her own needs. She now has been reunited with her loving husband, young son and mother in Heaven. A private burial ceremony will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kaneohe, Hawaii at a later date. She is survived by daughter, Amy Sanaye Gates (nee Mitamura), and granddaughter, Christina Sayuri Gates. Her family would like to acknowledge: Maria Perry of Griswold Home Care, for being a wonderful friend and companion to Fumiko; Odyssey Hospice staff, for their incredible kindness and empathy in caring for Fumiko in her final days; friends in Hawaii, Texas, and Massachusetts; and the extended Gates family for their steadfast friendship and acts of kindness over the past 30 years. A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North. There will be a private burial at Hawaiian Memorial Park on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.