SARAH TANAKA, 59, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at Kaiser Redwood City peacefully with her family. She was the wife of Ron Tanaka of Gilroy, mother of Raymond Barrientos & Riki Tanaka, both of Gilroy, daughter of Manuela Castillo and her husband, Emilio, of Gilroy and the late Jesus Velez, sister of Jenny De La Cueva (Camilo) of Gilroy, Julia Benitez of Gilroy and Elpidio Morales of Colorado, sister-in-law of Larry & Helen Tanaka and Scott & Diane Tanaka all of Gilroy, daughter-in-law of Grace Tanaka and the late Ned Tanaka. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. A native of Gilroy.
Sarah was raised in Gilroy, graduated from Gilroy High School and attended Gavilan College. Sarah’s greatest joy was being surrounded by family & friends and working with children in her profession as a resource paraprofessional with the Gilroy Unified School District for the past 33 years. She will always be remembered for her bright smile and laughter.
Vigil: Sunday, July 22, 2007 – 5:00 P.M. at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy. Funeral Mass Monday, July 23, 2007 -10:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church, Gilroy. Burial will follow at Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, Gilroy.