Kazuko Watanabe
April 7, 1932 - July 3, 2013
Obituary
Kazuko Watanabe, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2013, from complications of a stroke at her home in Kent, Washington surrounded by her children. She was born in Ogden, Utah on April 7, 1932 to Morikiyo and Toriko Yei.
Kazuko is survived by her son, Tracy (Lizabeth) Watanabe and daughter Sandra Watanabe of Kent, brothers Biff Yei of Ogden, Utah and Thomas Yei of Billings, Montana, sisters Kuni Kawashima of Ogden, Utah and twin sister Aki Nishi of Vancouver, Washington, along with many nieces and nephews. Kazuko was preceded in death by her husband George (1991) and daughter, Shari Watanabe (2010), sister, Amy Sameshima and brothers, Joe, Slim, Sam, and Kay Yei.
Kazuko spent many years working on the family vegetable farm in the Kent valley before going to work for J.C. Penney in 1976. She worked in several different departments before retiring in 1994. She was especially fond of the many friends she had made while working there.
Holidays were always a special time with Kazuko, especially Christmas, as much joy and laughter always filled the home. She was the first to say, “Let’s open presents.” Family and friends joined together at her home each New Years Day to partake in a traditional Japanese meal and share good times together. Kazuko liked to travel spending time in many different states and countries. She especially enjoyed taking trips and seeing the sights with her daughters, Shari and Sandra.
She loved playing cards wither her children, especially Two Card Guts, Blackjack, and Rummy. She also enjoyed visiting her neighbors, embroidery, jigsaw and word puzzles, collecting Precious Moments figurines and visiting different casinos.
Kazuko touched the lives of many people and will never be forgotten. We will always have our favorite memories of this incredibly gracious, loving, and wonderful Mom and friend. She holds a very special place in our hearts. Until we meet again Mom…
In lieu of flowers, Kazuko’s family requests donations to be made to the American Heart Association; PO Box 742030, Los Angeles, CA 90074-2030 (www.heart.org) or your favorite charity.
Funeral service will be held at White River Buddhist Temple, 3625 Auburn Way N., Auburn, WA on Friday, July 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM. Viewing is from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM at the temple. Interment will directly follow the service at Bonney-Watson; Washington Memorial Park, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 98188.
Messages of condolence may be left with the family online by visiting www.bonneywatson.com.
Sorry, for you loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish we could have come but due to work we are unable to attend. We love you and again are in our thoughts.
Love,
Thomas & Candice Whiteman
We are deeply saddened by Auntie Kazu’s passing. Her infectious laughter will be deeply missed by all. May all the wonderful memories you carry in your heart bring you comfort at this most difficult time. We hold you in our hearts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. May the precious memories of your dear Mom sustain and comfort you always. Am keeping you close in my heart and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Sandra and Tracy. We have many fond memories of Auntie Kazu that span many decades. We will miss hearing her laugh, but our memories of her will remain a life time.
Aunty Kazu used to spell my name wrong, I always thought it was amusing. I have many childhood memories of going to visit her and the family. She enjoyed making tuna burgers for me. She gave me the recipe but I have never been able to make them as tasty as she made them. I wish I could be there to say a final goodbye, but I will be there in spirit. Her kindness will remain in my heart. She will be missed.
I have many fond memories of time spent with Kaz.
I will never forget our trip to Branson and my first time on an airplane. Kaz travelled all the time and made it really fun.
She was a special lady and will be missed.
Sandra and Tracy:
So sorry for the loss of your mom. The memories of her will be the greatest treasure you will ever havve. We pray that you may find peace and comfort durning this difficult time.
So sorry for your los. Kaz was great to work with. We will all miss her.
We send our thoughts and prayers to the family today and know that loving memories will carry you through. I worked with Kaz for many years and she always seem to brighten your day. She always had a kind word for Tom. Kaz will be dearly missed by many.
I shall miss my neighbor dearly. Tracy and Sandra, you did well by your Mother. Kaz, you fought the good battle, now rest in peace, you deserve it.
Tracy and Sandra,
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. Please know you are in our thoughts.
Just back in town this morning and received the news of Kaz passing. She was a very dear client who I was privileged to know and assist for many years. My sincere condolences to her entire family.
I wanted to say to the family Ur mother, grandmother was so very special I worked with her at JC Penney’s she meant a lot to me over the years . What a blessing in my life.
Mom,
Your time on earth is over, your soul is free, your spirit is soaring towards the heavens as you can see. Where family and friends who have gone before, await your return at Heaven’s door. They cheer and they wave as you arrive at the gate, their love surrounds you and you know you are safe. Your inner light is glowing, there is a sparkle in your eyes, and your spirit stands tall as you have arrived.
We miss you like crazy, we feel so lost but we know that you are happy now so our angst isn’t much of a cost. Our tears are flowing and our hearts do ache, we think it was too early; it must have been a mistake. But God is perfection and mistakes he does not make, your call to home was not made in haste.
God wanted you back, you are so full of grace and Shari and Dad said it was their turn to have you in place. We couldn’t be selfish we had to let you go but that doesn’t mean we like it, we just had to go with the flow.
For those of us you leave behind, all we can do is wait for our time. We’ll see each other again; you know Heaven is where it all began. Our call to home will be on time and the love we share will still be doing just fine.
Your son-