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BORN
1952
DIED
2015
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Susan Sakai Obituary
Oct. 28, 1952 - Dec. 9, 2015
Salinas
Susan Sakai, 63, of Salinas, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015. Susan was born Oct. 28, 1952 in Carmel, to Sumiko and Kei Nakamura.
She grew up in Monterey, graduating from Monterey High School and Monterey Peninsula College. In 1974, she married the love of her life, Toru Sakai, and moved to Salinas shortly after the birth of their children.
Susan is loved by many. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity unmatched by most. Her greatest accomplishments in her life were as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was the foundation for her family, providing constant support and unconditional love. Her most treasured gifts were her four beautiful grandchildren.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, Kei Nakamura.
She is survived by her husband, Toru Sakai; her two daughters, Kristine (John) Heintzberger, and Trisha (Robert) Walters; her mother, Sumiko Nakamura; her brother, Keith (Jana) Nakamura, and by her four grandchildren, Kai, Kade, and Kole Heintzberger; as well as Paige Walters. Susan also leaves behind many caring relatives and countless friends.
A Celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, at Compass Church, 830 Padre Dr., Salinas, CA 93901.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Liver Foundation directed toward primary biliary cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte. Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Sakai
Moore Family
December 9, 2024
Nine years now and the good, along with the sad,
memories are still strong in our hearts; RIP Susan Sakia, and THANK YOU for being a great "mom" and "confidant" friend to us. Peace and all good thoughts, The Moore Family, Salinas CA
Moore Family, Salinas
December 6, 2023
Just recently passed by University Park School. The tree James' 6th grade class planted didn't thrive; so
school pulled it up. Called to ask if I (we) could plant
another tree. Spoke with a new teacher (can't remember name) who let me know he and other teachers are planning a spring planting. I asked if I
could donate a fruit tree (lemon or apple), but he said he would have to get permission. He didn't think a fruit tree would be permitted though. So, asked if I could donate a cherry blossom tree (was thinking of Susan). He said he will let me know and that if I (we) wanted to help out in the spring we were welcome to. So we'll see. James always mentions Susan when we, (or he) drives by the school. He says he misses those days and Susan
taking care of him. I remind him how grateful we were back in the days that we had Susan for his (and Clair's) daycare provider. Also, for the friendship with all the family. Hope you all have enjoyable times celebrating her always. I eat sushi in her memory. : ) Take care everyone.
Moore Family
December 6, 2022
So hard to believe it has been seven years. Each time we pass University Park School "we see her".
Take care of each other always, the way she took care of us all. May peace and strength be with you all thru her never ending love for you. She is missed and loved by many. The Moore Family
Liz Santiago
December 6, 2019
For Susan. I hope she and Darrell are celebrating together somewhere
David Casas
December 28, 2015
Toru....My thoughts and prayers are being sent to you, and the arms of this old friend are around you.
Liz and Darrell Santiago
December 19, 2015
It was an honor to be at the ceremony yesterday and hear the many loving tributes that were made. Toru, you and your family are in our hearts.
Shirley Masunaga
December 18, 2015
Tori and family:
I was shocked hear to about Susan! I talked to you and Susan at our 50th class reunion..which wasn't that long ago. You have our deepest sympathy and love
December 16, 2015
Sakai Family, Toru,we were so shocked to hear of Susan's passing. We always looked forward to seeing you and your family at the Yoshida's on Christmas Eve. Our sincere sympathy on your loss of such a wonderful woman.
Darian and Linda Houde
,
Liz & Darrell Santiago
December 16, 2015
Toru & Family Liz & I are deeply shocked and very saddened at learning of the passing away of Susan . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this very difficult time. The " Bucko " Family will always be blessed for the time Susan shared with us .
Carol Blaushild (formerly Mendonsa)
December 15, 2015
Toru, Kristine, and Trisha, I am so sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She was an amazing person and I will always cherish her friendship from many years ago. May her beautiful smile and the twinkle in her eyes live on through all of you.
December 15, 2015
Toru, Kristine, & Trisha,
We were very sad to read of Susan's passing. Thank you so much for sharing your wife and mother with us. She was truly a diamond of a person in so many roles. Always caring and giving 100%. She not only cared for children but their parents as well. I will never forget her implementation of round table homework after school, so that when children were picked up, parents could have a peaceful evening. That is just one of the many thoughtful things Susan would do. We were truly blessed because of her. Always keep those wonderful qualities of your wife and mother shining each day in your lives. Prayers of peace, love and strength to all you. The Moore Family (James, Michelle, Clair & James)
Sandi and Lynelle Takigawa
December 15, 2015
We are shocked and saddened by your loss. Her smiles and laughter will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Pam & Gene Yamamoto
December 15, 2015
Toru, Kristine & Trisha,
Your wife and mother was a great person and an awesome neighbor to have. I'm glad to have counted her as a friend! Our prayers are with you at this difficult time! May the lord bless and keep you.
Kim Jung/Grandy
December 15, 2015
To The Sakai, and Nakamura Families.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family during this difficult time. So sorry to hear of Susan's passing. A wonderful daughter, wife, mother.
Maryrose Lopez-Hickman
December 14, 2015
Toru,
Deeply sorry to hear about Susan.
Remember the wonderful and fun times working with her at Macy's, attending the ATT in Pebble Beach, you & Susan at my father's 75th bash at the ranch in Big Sur. Love her sense of humor & kindness. My deepest sympathy to you and family.
December 14, 2015
Dear Toru and Sakai Family,
We can only imagine the pain and shock you all must be experiencing at the loss of Susan.Your wife was a wonderful lady who touched many lives with her wonderful grace and charm.
Please know we are praying for you and your family and may your faith carry you through this difficult time.
The Eggers family
December 14, 2015
Dearest Toru, Kristine and Trisha:
Toru, Kristine & Trisha:
We are all so deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you at this difficult time. May the memory of Susan's smiles; her hugs; and givings be with you always.
Tim and Margo Daniels
Susie Rossi
December 14, 2015
Dear Sakai Family ~
We are so very sorry to hear of your heartbreaking loss. Susan was always such a pleasure to be around and work alongside with at all of the Mission Park School functions. She was never without a big smile and was just fun to be around. Sincere condolences to all of you with much love and prayers.
Tony and Susie Rossi
Ruth Aliotti
December 14, 2015
Dear Toad, Kristine, and Trisha
My heart is aching for all of you. I will always remember Susan as such a happy person who would always approach me with a smile and hug. We have had so many years of great memories with your family that can never be forgotten, I will truly miss my friend. Susie Q, thank you for all the years you took care of my kids and for being such a cherished neighbor. I will miss you.
Love, Ruth Aliotti
chuck & sherae moresco
December 13, 2015
Toru, so sorry to hear about the loss of Susan--may the memories you have of her carry you through this difficult time
Jim & June Cornelius
December 13, 2015
Toru,
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.
December 13, 2015
Dear Sakai family,
We are so sad to hear about Susan. She was such a shinning star, so loving and giving. She will be deeply missed.....
Fondly,
The Trenner Family...
June Guerrero
December 13, 2015
Thank you Susan for always being so supportive to our son and truly treating him as family. God bless your family at this time, I know you as a wife, mother and grandmother, will watch over them from above!
December 12, 2015
Dearest Sakai family, Toad, Trisha, and Kristine, Charlie and I are saddened by the loss of Susie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the families, we will hold our great memories in heart,and spirit that will last forever. love and blessings, Charlie and Hilda Jaurigue.
Gary and Terry Rowe
December 12, 2015
Our hearts are broken....the precious memories we shared for many years will be our source of comfort. Her joy, laughter and never ending unselfish example is such a beautiful legacy. We love your family and look forward to reminiscing in the days ahead about our beautiful Susan.
Tammy Grier
December 12, 2015
I am sorry for your families loss. She was a very kind and sweet person.
Sue Putnam
December 11, 2015
To the Sakai Family (Toad, Trisha & Kristine)
No words can express how heartbreaking it was to hear the news.
I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Susan for years at the rodeo. She was always so kind and thoughtful. It was a joy to hear her talk about "her girls", it was obvious how proud she was of you both.
My deepest condolences during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue Putnam
Dave and Kathie Souza
December 11, 2015
We are so shocked and so sad. We are glad we spent a little time with you last month. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
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