Sakae "Ann" Surrisi

BATESVILLE, Ark. – Sakae “Ann” Ishida Surrisi passed away peacefully in her sleep, at the age of 95, after a brief hospitalization and stay in nursing care. Ann was born in Nagasaki, Japan, to father, Morimasa, and mother, Kuma Ishida. She was the eldest of five children, with two brothers and two sisters. In 1949, she married her husband, Frank Surrisi, an American soldier, in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. She immigrated to the United States, settling with Frank’s family in the Italian neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. As Frank continued his military career, they moved to Indiana, eventually setting roots in Kokomo, where she spent the majority of her life, working and raising their three children. From 2000 to 2016, Ann moved to Culver, Indiana, to be near her family there. She enjoyed her time in Culver, making many friends and acquaintances in the tight-knit community. A breast cancer survivor, she was particularly grateful for her friends at the Lakeshore Clinic, including Dr. Michael Deery, his nurses, and staff. In recent years, she’s moved across the country with her son and daughter-in-law, spending time in Montana, West Virginia, and Arkansas. Ann loved to play slot machines and made many trips to Las Vegas, including a solo trip at the age of 93. She also was a loyal fan of the Indianapolis Colts since 1984. Ann was preceded in death by her husband Frank in 2004, her daughter Sarah (Neal) Curry in 2001, and Sarah’s son Patrick Curry in 2005. She is survived by: Sarah’s grandchildren (Patrick) Philip and Jonathon Curry, son Christopher Curry, of Huntington, daughter Bridget (Shane) Lowry, of Culver, and their children Payton and Sarah Lowry; her son Larry (Joette) Surrisi, of Batesville, Arkansas, and their son Sean (Janette) Surrisi, of Culver, and their daughter Abby Surrisi; her son Richard (Carrie) Surrisi, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Richard’s children Megan and Brian Surrisi; and a number of nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. Ann asked that no one grieve for her, rather that they celebrate a life well-lived and the family she was blessed to have. In keeping with her traditions, she was confident of joining her beloved family members and ancestors in the next life. There will be a public visitation held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home on Saturday, May 18th from 11-1, followed immediately by a funeral service. Ann asked that any memorials be made to the Salvation Army in hopes of continuing their good works.