Hannah Fumiko Sato-Sugitani

Hannah Fumiko Sato-Sugitani

Hannah Fumiko Sato-Sugitani passed away peacefully on June 18, 2020 soon after her 93rd birthday. She was born in Loomis, Calif., to her father Teruichi Nishimoto and mother Yaeko Nishimoto. She had two older siblings, brother Julius Nishimoto and sister Alice Nishimoto. Both parents and siblings have predeceased her.

Interned during the war at Rohwer, Ark., she married Lloyd Sato in 1946. Lloyd passed in 1980, and she later married Shigeru Sugitani in 1989. Shig passed in 2001. Hannah leaves behind family and friends that are eternally grateful for her self-sacrificing nature. She is survived by her four children: Stan Sato, Phyllis Tom, Mark Sato, Terry (Valerie) Sato; and many loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Hannah worked tirelessly everyday throughout her life. First on her father’s farm in Penryn, Calif., and later with her husband Lloyd, as they built a successful egg ranch business in Gardena. Unfortunately, after over 20 years, they were forced to give it up as the 110 and 91 freeways took their property.

Hannah was an excellent cook and would provide all the Japanese dishes for the family’s New Year’s feast. An avid dancer in the ballroom, line dance floor, and the Japanese Obon dance circuit, she would also become a world traveler. A caring person with a courageous spirit, Hannah was characterized by her “trademarked” flower in her hair, engaging smile, and a love for life. She will be truly missed, but will remain forever in our hearts.

Private services and burial were conducted at Green Hills Memorial Park on July 2, 2020.