Saeko Araujo

Saeko “Sumi” Araujo, born on November 20, 1939, in Japan, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to family. She moved to Texas in 1966, where she built a life filled with hard work, friendships, and cherished memories.

Sumi was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Miguel Araujo, in 2014. She is survived by her three children, Vincent Russell (wife Lynn), Yvonne Garnier (husband Greg), and Angie Russell; five grandchildren, Megan Hurley and husband Mike, Lauren Kiessling and husband Chris, Libby Switzer , Jayson Kline, and Kelly Kline ; and four great-grandchildren, Nathan, Nora, Joshua, and Maddie.

She spent many years working at Flexitallic Gasket Company in Deer Park, Texas, from the late 1980s until her retirement. During that time, she also took a brief break from gasket making to pursue her passion for cooking, running a small restaurant called Souper Spuds in Deer Park. Sumi loved preparing meals for family and friends, always finding joy in feeding others and bringing people together around the table.

Sumi deeply valued her friendships, especially within the Japanese community, and enjoyed occasional trips to the slot machines for fun. However, her greatest joy came from being a grandmother. She was a dedicated and loving presence in the lives of her grandchildren, attending their events, hosting sleepovers, and always spoiling them with her warmth and generosity.

In her final years at Evergreen Cottages Memory Care, she was affectionately known by her caretakers as an angel—always smiling, sharing jokes, and maintaining a kind and cooperative spirit.

Sumi will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her kindness, laughter, and unwavering love for her family will be cherished forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Neuroimmune Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing research and improving treatment for individuals affected by neuroimmune and autoimmune disorders.

If you wish to mail a check, please send it to:

Neuroimmune Foundation

PO Box 25

Colgate, Wisconsin, 53017