Jean Takeko Sakahara
August 8, 1925 - February 12, 2013
Obituary
Jean was the beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and good friend to many. She was known for her glorious smile, wit, and sweet tooth. She will be missed by many.
Jean passed away peacefully Feb 12, 2013 at Aegis Northgate, surrounded by family & friends.
Jean Takeko Sakahara
“I was born August 8th, 1925 to Shizuto and Asano Terao in Seattle, Washington. I was the youngest of four children: oldest sister Fusako Mito, brother Masashi “Mas” Terao (deceased), and sister Fujiko “Fudge” Hori (deceased).
I attended Bailey Gatzert School from kindergarten to 6th grade and then went to Central School for 7th grade. After that I went to Washington Jr. High and then to Broadway High School. I also attended Japanese school for 8 years.
When World War II broke out the family “voluntarily” evacuated to Deweyville, a small town in Utah, and we stayed there a few months with relatives while completing my junior year at Bear River High in Trenton, Utah. Since there were 3 families living in one house the family moved to Salt Lake City in the summer of 1942, where we lived at the Continental Hotel for the duration of the war. I attended West High School for a year and graduated in 1943. I worked in West High School’s office after graduation as an office clerk, then worked at the Salt Lake City Board of Education as a secretary to five educational supervisors—I worked for a different boss each day of the week.
After World War II ended the family decided to return to Seattle. We moved back to Seattle in 1946 and I went to work for the Veterans Administration. I started as a file clerk in the Adjudication Division and was eventually promoted to the position of Chief of Claims Statistician in the Adjudication Division. I left the VA in 1953 to become a full time housewife and mother.
I married Ted A. “Hippo” Sakahara on March 17th, 1951, after a two year courtship that began when he tried to sell me a life insurance policy. He eventually confessed that what he really wanted was to date me. Hippo and I were married in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho and had a loving marriage of 43 years. My son, Steve, was born July 21, 1953. My daughter Karen was born September 9, 1959.
I was an avid bowler in my younger days and was one of the first women to help organize the Seattle Nisei Women’s Bowling League at the old Main Bowl. I liked keeping active and I occasionally helped at the Sakahara Insurance Agency after the children grew older. I took up golf, enjoyed working out in the yard, and painting the house inside and out. Although my folks were Buddhist and I attended Nichiren Buddhist Church when I was young, after I married Hippo I attended Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church. I later became a member of Blaine. I was also a member of the Japanese American Citizen League.
I am survived by son Steve and daughter Karen and my granddaughter Lauren. I am also survived by my nieces and nephews, Edie Mitchell, Bob Mito, and Mark Masterson. I am also survived by my sister Fusako Mito and my sister-in-law Kiyoko Terao. Along with my husband Hippo who passed away on March 16th, 1994, I am predeceased by my sister Fudge Hori and my brother Mas Terao.“
Steve and Karen Im sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. I’ve known her for 60 years and she was always warm, caring and upbeat. Her presence will be missed by al who know her. Our deepest condolences go out to you and your families Be well,,, God bless you Jean for all that you were
dearest karen and steve,
so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. barbara and i had visited her at nikkei manor a couple times and she looked just like i remember ..as in the posted photo.
always gracious and speaking of her beloved husband, Hippo.
i remember going up to your house and picking cherries and doing some ironing. helping out when Karen was born.
most of all i remember her talent in baking the most beautiful Christmas cookies!!
will always remember Jean and Hippo with very fond memories. they were such good neighbors and friends to our parents and us “kids”.
lovingly,
charlotte and family
Steve and Karen
We are so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. She was a most gracious and gentle lady–always made us feel welcome in her home. Your family and her many friends have lost a wonderful person. Our most sincere condolences to you at this very sad time. Peace
Dear Steve and Karen,
We’re sorry to hear about Jean. She always had a nice smile and was kind and gracious to our family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Lisa (and James, Gordy, Frank, Kenzo, and Mika)
Dear Karen and Steve,
We are sorry to learn of Jean’s passing. She will truly be missed by our family. But we are so bless to have many wonderful menories of our time spent together at WaWa. Gathering oysters, playing cards, rainy days of putting puzzles together, cooking, baking, eating,eating and more eating. Most of all our conversations about our Loving Lord. May you receive His peace at this time and feel the joy that Jean had shared with all of us.
Love,
Margaret, Dave, Kelly, Melissa and Joe Kiyohara
I will always think of Jean with great fondness.
She gave me my first babysitting job which was a real compliment.
She would visit my mom, frequently, just to chat over coffee and date nut bread. I sat with them and enjoyed all the laughter they shared. Jean later told me how those visits meant a lot to her.
She was always easy going and calm which I have long admired about her.
I will miss her, dearly.
Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to Steve and Karen,
Dennis and Barbara Iwata Beckley
dear Steve and Karen
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Knowing she is with your dad and at peace now makes it bearable. I will always remember her kindness on Christmas Day in 2005 when I was without a place to go, and spent the day with your family. Not only was she nice, I got to eat a fabulous Japanese meal (my favorite). I feel honored to have known her the little bit that I did. She was a happy, kind, loving, generous person. Take those qualities she had and give what she gave. In that way, your mom will always be with us. Peace, prayers and love. Linda and Craig
I am very sorry for your loss. May precious memories help ease your sorrow. (Ecclesiastes 7:1-2) God conforts us with his promise of a resurrection. (John 5:28-29). My prayers are with you that this hope will comfort you.
Karen – Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother.