Suyeko "Kathy" Watanabe Obituary (1916 - 2013)

Suyeko "Kathy" Watanabe 1916-2013 Suyeko Watanabe passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2013, at the home of her daughter, Lorraine Fukumitsu, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She spent many hours in her final days receiving support and surrounded by close family members. Suyeko was born in Broaderick, California on June 8, 1916, to Sasaichi Sunada and Sekiyo Ogata Sunada. Her father died when she was two years old, so her mother returned to Japan, taking the children to live on the family farm in the village of Jigozen, which overlooks the Inland Sea of Japan, its oyster beds, and the famous Miyajima Island. Suyeko attended school in Hiroshima and worked as a medical assistant until her mother passed away in 1938. Suyeko then returned to the Sacramento, California area, where she enjoyed wonderful extended family support from the Harry Masaki family and her siblings. She lived and worked there until she met and married George Noboru Watanabe. She joined George in working on the family farm near Honeyville, Utah. Suyeko exhibited all that is best in being a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, neighbor, and friend. She was devoted to the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism and served faithfully in the Honeyville temple all her life. She enjoyed quilting with friends and learning new crafts. She looked forward to springtime and worked tirelessly in her garden, a place where she found tremendous joy, not only in raising wonderful flowers and vegetables but also in providing to family and friends. Grandma was also known for her wonderful ability to prepare delicious meals, as witnessed by all who had the good fortune of visiting the farm during dinnertime. Grandma's life was not marked by great wealth or worldly fame, but to those whose lives she touched, she left a deep abiding impression for good through a life of hard work, loyalty, charity, and service. Her passing leaves an inexpressible void for her family, and friends, until we meet again. Suyeko was preceded in death by her husband George, brothers Hitoshi (Frank), Goro, Niro, and sister Haruka Imahara. She is survived by three childrena"Dr. Douglas T. Watanabe (Carol), George I. Watanabe (Sundy), and Lorraine K. Fukumitsu (George)a"as well as 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. The family gives special appreciation for daughter, Lorraine, and Olena Price of Horizon Hospice Specialists for their loving and tender care in the final months of Suyeko's life. Family and friends may express condolences at the Honeyville Buddhist Church, 3945 W 6900 N, Honeyville, Utah 84302, on Saturday May 4, 2013 between 10:00 and 10:45 AM. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in the Honeyville Cemetery. VisitationHoneyville Buddhist Chuch 3945 W 6900 N Honeyville, UT 84314 May 4, 2013 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM ServiceHoneyville Buddhist Church 3945 West 6900 North Honeyville, UT May 4, 2013 11:00 AM CemeteryHoneyville Cemetery 6900 North 2500 West Honeyville, UT May 4, 2013