Etsuko Wakayama

Elk Grove, CA - Etsuko Wakayama, 98, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025, in Elk Grove, California. Born on April 10, 1927, in Stockton, California, she lived a remarkable life that bridged two cultures and spanned nearly a century of dedication to education, art, and family.

Etsuko was raised and educated in Japan, returning to the United States at the age of 22 on her own, settling in Sacramento. She married Mitsuo Wakayama and together they raised a family. Though Mitsuo passed away in 1982, Etsuko continued to nurture their shared legacy through her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her children Patricia Ford (Keith), Carol Taketa (Steve), Terry Wakayama (Jennifer) and Judy Wakayama Ng (Clifford); six grandchildren-Kimberly Kalny (John), Andrew Ford, Kaitlin Ellingson (Tim), Megan Taketa, Tyler Taketa, and Kyle Ng; and two great-grandchildren Mason and Evelyn Ellingson.

A lifelong educator at heart, Etsuko remained deeply involved in teaching throughout her life. She taught at Sakura Gakuen and at William Land School for many years.

She continually sought out new crafts and skills which she later shared with others through classes via the Sacramento City Recreation Department.

Among her many talents was Japanese calligraphy-a discipline she pursued with great devotion under Kampo Sensei. She became a certified calligraphy teacher and went on to pioneer the first Japanese calligraphy class in California, teaching through community programs and exhibiting her work at the Buddhist Church.

Etsuko will be remembered for her joy in teaching and her artistic talents as well as well as her strength and resilience, having lived through WWII in Japan and postwar America. Her legacy lives through her many students and her family, who loved her so much. She will be dearly missed.

A Funeral Service will be held on November 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Buddhist Church of Sacramento on 2401 Riverside Blvd. in Sacramento.