Chisaye Helen Kurakazu

Chisaye Helen Kurakazu Resident of Walnut Creek Nov. 22, 1921 - July 12, 2011 On July 12, 2011, Helen Kurakazu passed away peacefully at John C. Lincoln Hospital in Phoenix, AZ, due to complications from pneumonia. Helen was 52 year resident of Walnut Creek, CA, who recently moved in January to Phoenix following the death of Ken Kurakazu, her husband of 63 years. She is survived by her son, Ed Kurakazu of Phoenix, and daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Gary Takahashi of Arlington Heights, IL. She is also survived by her brother, Ray Fukumori of Alhambra, CA, her sisters Sumako Fukumori of San Francisco, CA, and Masuye Makishima of El Cerrito, CA, and brother-in-laws Rick Kurakazu of Fairfield, CA and Jerry and Jane Kurakazu of Las Vegas, IW; along with many nieces and nephews. Helen was born in Sacramento, and after her graduation from C.K. McClatchy High School, she was interned atTule Lake Relocation Center. Following the conclusion of the war, she married and resettled in the farming community of Stockton. After living in the San Joaquin Delta for 12 years, she moved along with her husband and family to Walnut Creek, where her husband started a new career as a landscape gardener until his retirement in 1989. She was a long time member of the Concord Japanese American Club and helped with their youth athletic programs, and after turning 80 she participated in the ladies' aerobic exercise group. But, she will be best remembered for her long time supervision of the beef teriyaki concession at the JA Club's annual summer festival. A private memorial service for her immediate family will be held at the Berkeley Buddhist Temple on Tuesday, July 26. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Please forward all condolences to P.O Box 16163 Phoenix, AZ 85011.