Sachi “Mary” Tashima Ochiai

Sachi “Mary” Tashima Ochiai
July 21, 1919 – July 25, 2020

Sachi “Mary” Tashima Ochiai passed away peacefully July 25, 2020. She was 101 years young. Sachi was born just south of Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. Her family moved to a San Jacinto farm and successfully raised onions. Interested in physics and math, Sachi was senior class valedictorian. She wanted to become a pharmacist, but was told “women did not do that,”so she became a beauty operator. In 1942, she and her family were sent to Manzanar War Relocation Center. After World War II, she got married to Richard Ochiai and had two children, Sheryl and Alan. Sachi and Richard operated lovely Kyoto Nursery and then Tustin Lanes Bowling Alley. Sachi enjoyed traveling, helping everyone with anything, floral/landscape design and studying Buddhism at the Orange County Buddhist Church. Sachi will be remembered for her smile and positive attitude towards life! She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard and her daughter Sheryl. She is survived by her son Alan, daughter-in-law Kathy, grandsons Tyler and Ted, one niece and five nephews.

Due to Covid-19, memorial plans are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Orange County Buddhist Church building fund.