Kathryn Sugiyama
February 23, 1947 - September 2, 2012
Obituary
Kathryn Akiko Tagawa Sugiyama
Born to Takeo and Masako Tagawa on Feb. 23, 1947, in Renton, Wash., Kathy passed away in the comfort of her own home full of loving family and close friends on Sept. 2, 2012, due to complications from cancer.
Kathy was a proud 1965 graduate of Garfield High School. She went on to the University of Washington where she graduated with a degree in journalism. Kathy worked for the City of Seattle for more than 30 years and, in that time, interacted with a number of different departments and individuals. She took great pride in her job and also took pride in the fact she was a devoted Metro bus rider when traveling to and from work.
Most important to Kathy were her two daughters Mari and Alysa, who will miss her more than words can express. Ever the involved mom, Kathy was devoted to and involved in the girls’ schools; piano lessons; soccer, softball, and basketball teams; and anything else that entered their lives, even as they started to come into their own as adults. She was beyond kind, thoughtful, nurturing, and loving until the very end. In Kathy’s final hours, the girls were, for once, able to be the ones providing kind, thoughtful, nurturing, and loving affirmations to help ease her heart and mind, as they have learned from only the very best.
Kathy was ever the hostess, always welcoming and loved having family and friends at her Beacon Hill home. There were countless birthdays, Christmas dinners, and New Year’s feasts, not to mention the many impromptu gatherings – always complete with something to eat. Even as she valiantly fought and recovered in the ICU at UWMC, Kathy made sure the family gifted nurses with plenty of food and snacks each day.
In addition to daughters Mari and Alysa, Kathy is survived by siblings Marion Uemura, Dotti Reisbord, Eugene Tagawa, Michael Tagawa; nieces and nephews Sheri Miyake, Brian Uemura, Tracy Hattori Gooch, Kevin Hattori, Steven Uemura, and Anne Uemura; grandnephews and grandniece Tony Fujimoto, Ryan Gooch, Daniel Miyake, Leanna Uemura, Chris Miyake, and Troy Uemura; and numerous friends and those who were touched by her kind spirit and radiant smile. For many, even those not related, she will always be remembered as “Auntie Kathy.”
Kathy is also survived by former husband Alan Sugiyama. Though no longer legally bound, theirs was a relationship that endured and lasted for more than 40 years – one made especially evident in the last few months as Kathy took on the battle of her life with Alan standing strongly by her side. Last but not least, Kathy will be missed by her three kitties Yuki, Mochi, and Ella.
A memorial service for Kathy will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church at 1610 S. King St., Seattle, Wash. 98144.
I’ve been so fortunate to be Kathy’s neighbor for 12 years. We slowly developed a close relationship and were able to express how much we cared about each other in her last weeks. I’ll love her forever.
To my dear former students, Mari and Alysa………it was with sadness that I read of your wonderful mother’s passing. Kathy was a sublime person in every way. A teacher’s model parent; so supportive and caring and just plain fun to be around. Your mom’s radiant smile lit up a room, girls (you’ll forever be 5th graders in my mind!). I know as you walk Life’s path, your mother will be there beside you all the way.
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts,
Ms. Booth (although I am now known as Mrs. Tredo…teaching grade 4 here on Camano Island)
We extend to the entire family of Ms. Kathy Sugiyama our sincerest condolences in this difficult time of grief and loss.
We knew Ms. Kathy Sugiyama as the parent of two wonderful young ladies and as the loving wife of her former husband, former Seattle School Board Director Mr. Alan Sugiyama. She always had her big smile for everyone and we knew how deeply involved she was in all of her daughters’ activities. She was also very proud of Mari’s interest in journalism.
We join you all in prayers as she joins our Creator. May she rest in peace. Amen.
I was saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. I worked with her some years ago. The last time I saw her, we talked about our kitties. She was a lovely person and will be missed by many.
Kathy was such a loving lady and loved and fostered cats. I can’t remember how many, but, I adopted Beauty and Magic from her. We became friends on facebook and I would send her updated pictures of the “girls”.They are the joy of my life. My sincere heartfelt condolences to your family on your loss of such a great lady.
I am very grateful for knowing Kathy. We both were bus riders, walking side by side during dark hours in the mornings. What a lovely and intelligent she was! I’ll miss her sweet smile and always friendly greetings.
Kathy you had a wonderful spirit and kind heart. Rest in peace.
My heartfelt thoughts are with Mari and Alysa and the entire family. Your mother sounds so wonderful and giving. I am sorry I will never have the chance to meet and know her.
You must count yourselves lucky to have been part of her close circle of family and friends. I’m sure she will always be there in your hearts.
With much sympathy,
Bruce Woolverton & Tom Jewell
It was a very sad day when I heard the news of Kathy’s passing. My sincere heartfelt condolences to Mari, Alysa, and Alan. Kathy was always smiling, and ready to help lend a hand or find a solution for whatever the problem was. She was a very intelligent woman, very caring, and loving.
I’ve known Kathy for 27 of her 30 years at the City of Seattle. She will be missed very much by those of us from back in the day as saying goes.
Mari and Alysa, the full pain of losing a loved one never goes completely away. However, over time you’ll remember all the good times, the laughter, the fun things you did together, your mom’s smile, and it will ease the hurt. Her spirit will always be there guiding you forward as you live your lives.
You are all in my prayers.
This is truly the most beautiful rememberance I have ever read. It completely captured Kathy. Truly one of a kind, she was such a good friend to my sister Diane, all through her life. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends.lbp
Hey lil’ sis…I miss you…! Looking forward to sharing a glass of wine when we meet again. Love and kisses to Dad, Mom Jichan and Bachan.
I am so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. what a wonderful person to be around. I feel blessed to have worked with her off and on over the years. She brought a delightful spirit to every situation. I always loved seeing her smiling face and easy manner. I’m so sad for your loss, Mari and Alysa.
Dear Alan and family,
My condolences and prayers to you all. May Kathy’s soul rest in peace. Her gift to the world of herself, her intelligence, her public service, her support of your community endeavors and her children would be so appreciated. God bless.
Maria and son James
Mari and Alysa
I was so very sorry to read of your Mom’s passing this morning in the paper. When I think of all the wonderful parents that helped at Maple Elementary while I was teaching there, Kathy stands at the top of the list. She was such an outstanding individual and I might add a great “Room Mom” when you were in first grade Mari. I feel honored to have known her.
Though I was blessed to only know Kathy over the last couple of years went she came to the 52nd floor at the City, animal people have a way of finding each other, and we enjoyed sharing stores about our latest batch of rascally foster kittens. She was a warm, lovely person, and I will miss seeing her big smile around the work place now that she has gone home. My prayers are with the family.
Kathy and I worked together at a daycare and went to Europe together in 1971. We had lots of fun and went all over. I thought of her and our trip many times over all these years and was saddened to see her passing in the Times. My heart felt condolences to her family and friends today. Cherish her memory as I do and she will stay in your heart forever.
We extend our sincere condolences to the whole family of Kathy Sugiyama…hoping all of you can feel totally surrounded with love, comfort, peace and strength…Love you, Jim and Sonja
Kathy was my best friend in grade school and early on taught me what friendship really means. She displayed all of the qualities people have mentioned, especially kindness, trust and loyalty. I am flooded with memories of the good times we had, riding bicycles, playing games and just being kids. I am so sorry to hear of her passing. My heartfelt sympathies are with your entire family at this time.
Mari and Alysa,
I remember you most as little girls being dropped off at our home to have my mom “Napa” care for you. Even when my mom fell ill and could no longer provide care, your mom continued to visit, send cards and bring you trick-or-treating over the years. It was that kindess and thoughtfulness that stood out for me. Your mom’s love for you was so evident back then, and in recent years as I’ve chatted with her on the light rail and at Red Apple, that love and pride was stronger than ever. Our family’s thoughts are with you two and Alan. We are saddened by your loss and will miss Kathy’s presence on this earth.
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family of this beautiful soul.
I first met Kathy when I moved from Alaska to Seattle in the early 90’s. She greeted and treated me like a friend from the very start and I knew she was special!
Another star shines bright on the horizon and the angels are singing high as they welcome a brilliant new light.
Shine on Kathy; shine on.
As a co-worker of Kathy’s she was such a joy to know. She is well loved by her city family and will be missed.
Mari and Alysa, I’m sorry for this sad time; but you know that your Angel Mom will watch over you and is in your hearts.
Al, I have this image of Kathy, because of her passion for community and social justice, advocating for a spot for “folks like us” up in heaven – well, for sure you have an “in”.
To the Tagawas, Sugiyamas and additional family, please find comfort in knowing that Kathy was well loved by her many friends and that our community, actually this world, is a better place because she made a difference.
Blessings, peace & harmony,
~Annie G.
I am so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. The “Everett Crew” will always remember her smile, and how graciously she greeted us, even if we only saw her once a year at the CCA annual dinners. Holding you close to my heart.
Reading about your life Kathryn, I am quite sorry to have not known you. I only knew of you from your brother Michael, whom I shared a love of animals, human rights, great music, and wonderful nostalgia. Knowing Michael certainly belies the lovely caring spirit that you embodied and I hope in another time and space we will gain the friendship I missed while you were here. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your loved ones. Michael my family was sorry to hear of your sister’s passing and they all send prayers. Love Brenda
To the Family of Kathy Sugiyama,
I am very saddened to come upon this news. I have known Kathy and Al since the late 80’s when my husband worked at CCA. While working for the City, I would sometimes see her in City Hall when I went to get coffee. One of my last conversations with her occurred when I told her my daughter was moving to Japan for two years to teach English. What I know for sure is how much her family meant to her, and she LOVED her children. I am so sorry for your loss, and hurt that I did not even know she had passed. My husband and I will keep all of you in our prayers. May you be comforted and strengthened by the legacy of love that she left with you.
In Peace & Love,
Shawn and Gregory Davis