Tazu Mary Fugikawa passed away peacefully in Elk Grove, CA, at the age of 98. Born in Spreckles, (Salinas), CA, she was a long time resident of Gilroy. She and her late husband, Harry Fugikawa, farmed in Santa Clara and San Benito counties before and after W.W.II.
They, along with their many Japanese-American relatives and friends, were sent to the Poston, AZ, internment camp. Later in the war, they moved to Utah to farm and returned to Gilroy in 1948.
She is survived by sisters; Mae Waki and Joan Hironaka, daughters; Amy (Yoshiro) Konno, Dorothy Fugikawa and Irene Preston and son, Richard (Anne) Fugikawa, grandchildren; Lesly (Mark) Adams, Ken Konno, Craig Fugikawa, Brian (Diane Rinella) Preston and Benjamin Preston, and great-grandchildren; Miya and Kaydy Adams.
Despite hardships and many years of farm work, she remained a loving and compassionate person. A sweet, quiet lady, she nonetheless delighted in all the noise and chaos of her family.
A memorial service will be held on Sat., Sept. 15 at 2 P.M. at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple, 2751 Louis Rd, Palo Alto, 94303. (650) 856-0123.
