Fumiko Ann Suetsugu passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, 2024, in Winnetka, Calif. at the age of 90.
Fumiko was born in a small farming village in Fukuoka-ken on the island of Kyushu, Japan. She was the youngest of five siblings. As a young girl, Fumiko and her family were exposed to the horrors of war during World War II with daily strafing and bombings from American aircraft. After the war, Fumiko completed her schooling and became an elementary school teacher in her village. In 1955, Fumiko met her future husband, Frank, at a family function and romance ensued. Fumiko and Frank married in Los Angeles in August 1956. Soon after, they had a son and a daughter. Both Fumiko and Frank worked hard to create a successful family farming business that lasted until their retirement. They both enjoyed their retirement living until Frank’s passing in 2001. Fumiko soldiered on and enjoyed two additional grandchildren, making her a grandma to four grandchildren. Since the 1960s, Fumiko was a loyal and lifetime member of the San Fernando Valley Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, where she enjoyed her time as Fujinkai (Women’s Club) member and president for many years.
Fumiko was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She is survived by her two children, Hal Suetsugu (Linda) and Sandy Mitsch (Jeffrey); and her four grandchildren, Taylor and Rylan Suetsugu, Christopher and Eric Mitsch. She will be buried alongside her husband, Frank, at Hollywood Hills Forest Lawn’s Lincoln Terrace. Her service will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 9:30 a.m. at the Church of the Hills at the same location.