Sumi Akiyama

Sumi Akiyama was born on October 18, 1932 in Huaral, Peru, South America. She grew up in Peru on a banana plantation until she and her family were taken to an internment camp in Crystal City, Texas in 1944 during World War II. They remained there until 1946. At the end of the war, she and her family moved to Seabrook Farm, New Jersey, and worked at the farm until moving to Denver, Colorado in 1948. There she met and married Yosh Akiyama in October 30, 1952.

Sumi was a consummate perfectionist, it didn’t matter if it was making drapes, cooking, making manju, bunka,embroidery, doll making, cigarette wrapper umbrella, everything was perfect. She had a great knack of putting stuff together and making it into a great appetizer, meal, canned goods and being a great teacher. There wasn’t anything that she tried to do that she was not great at.

Sumi has a passion for fishing, bowling, gambling, matsutake hunting, many types of sewing, crocheting, knitting, beading and traveling. She was superstitious, when she went gambling, she would wear her lucky red socks and frogs galore.

Sumi is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Yosh Akiyama. She is survived by five children: Sharon (Mitch), Linda (Mel), Cindy (Gary), Glenn (Linda) and Dave (Teresa); five grandchildren: Summer (Tim), Craig (Kayla),Nicole (Tony), Michelle (Evan), Justin (Breeanna); seven great-grandchildren: Abby, Emma, Min, Rafe, Sophia, Penelope, Lily and one due in September.

Per her wishes, a private service was held on April 23.

Sumi’s Celebration of Life will be held at Holiday Bowing & Billiards; 10350 West Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO on June 1st at 11:00am. All are welcome to come and bowl, dress is casual.