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Kay Sakamoto Obituary
Kay Sakamoto passed away peacefully at home on February 12, 2015 at the age of 92. She was born Kiyoko Lois Kawamura in Los Angeles, Calif. on January 18, 1923 to Nobu and Tokutaro Kawamura of Hawaii. Kay was raised in Arcadia, Calif. where her family farmed flowers for the Los Angeles wholesale market. She attended El Monte High School. During WWII, the family was uprooted and relocated to an internment camp in Poston, Ariz, where they lived until the end of the war. After the war she went to Chicago, Ill. in search of work. There Kay attended Cosmetology school and eventually opened a beauty shop. While in Chicago, she met and married Hisanari "Salami" Sakamoto on April 24, 1949. In 1953, they moved to the Coachella Valley to join his brother Kenji Sakamoto and formed the Sakamoto Ranch in Thermal, Calif. It was there they raised their three sons. Kay was the bookkeeper for the family farm and also joined the rest of the family helping with the harvest in the packing shed. She was also a seamstress and a talented hairdresser. She was often found working after hours and weekends doing hair for women in the community. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hisanari. She is survived by sons, Gordon Sakamoto of Leucadia, Calfi., Stan Sakamoto and his wife, Lori Abdelnour, Pat Sakamoto and his wife, Alice Lee all of La Quinta, Calif.; and grandchildren, Avery Lee of La Quinta and Diamond Anaya of Nashville Tenn. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 19, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held Friday, February 20, 2015 at 10:00 am at Forest Lawn Indio 82975 Requa Ave Indio, CA 92201 (760) 321 6400. There will be a private burial at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in the name of Kay Sakamoto to the Japanese Memorial Garden at the Coachella Valley History Museum.
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Memories and Condolences
for Kay Sakamoto
March 15, 2015
To my buddies Stan, Pat and the entire Sakamoto family, my condolences. Sorry, for being so late, but didn't receive the news till last night. May you mom rest in peace and may she always be in your dreams. Eddie Leon
robert leon
March 2, 2015
Gordon, Stan, Pat, how you guys doing? I believe I met your mom once visiting Gordon at your home back in '67 but I remember your mom. She was nice. you know, it's gotta be a special gift having a parent with such a reverent history. man, she must have told her boys some stories. I guess sometimes that just makes it a little bit harder. take care, heal well and god bless.
Ron and Amy Williams
February 27, 2015
Our condolences to the Sakamoto family. Our thoughts are with you.
Mark Porras
February 21, 2015
Mrs. Sakamoto lived a long and loving life. Although meeting her only a few times, she was always extremely gracious. My condolences to Gordon, Stan, Patrick and all remaining family. May God bless you all.
Mike, Christen, Breanna & Aaron Aspell
February 20, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the Sakamoto Family. Kay was so special to our family. We will always remember the kindness she shared with us. Mike loved to help her around the house with projects and she always had some kind of treat or presents for us all in thanks. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Lucy Diaz
February 20, 2015
A Beautiful Lady I had the honor to know as a customer, while working at Vons as well as Kenji. My condolence to all the Sakamoto family
Richard Moreno
February 19, 2015
Sakamoto Family,
My sympathies and condolences to your Family, may your Mother rest in peace!
Richard A. Moreno & Family
La Quinta
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