Tomiko H Sato

She was born to Shinjiro and Ayame Mito Hiranishi, Japanese immigrants, in Kemmerer, Wyoming, where her father ran a general store in competition with one J.C. Penney. At the age of 15 she and her sisters were moved to Japan to live with relatives and struggle with both the language and the culture. She succeeded despite the significant challenges, even attending a Women's College until the money ran out as World War II began. She worked through the war and witnessed the dropping of the nuclear bomb on nearby Hiroshima. She became an interpreter in Tokyo for the American occupation forces and then managed to move to the West Coast of the U.S. She wound up in Salt Lake City as a single mother of two children (Michi and Koji) and found a new life mission when she was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 17, 1954. That event jump-started a powerful inner compass that unerringly and constantly directed her heart and soul. She never questioned her new-found faith and was an early leader in the Dai Ichi (Japanese) Branch. She lived simply, and humbly. She was guided by a child-like faith and guileless devotion to others - whether family, friends, or absolute strangers - all were welcomed to her home and hearth. Her faith and her daughter led her to meet Tatsui Sato and to a marriage to that Japanese LDS post-war pioneer. Both she and Tatsui (a brilliant Chemistry PhD and spiritually-gifted translator of the LDS scriptures and temple ceremonies into the Japanese language) shared a singular trait that sealed their union forever - unquestioning, undeviating and enduring faith. They lived that faith by caring little for temporal possessions, giving and sharing all that they had (time, money, talent, knowledge, faith and love). Temple, genealogy and spreading the word were her passion. Japan, Hong Kong, Washington D.C. and Nauvoo were sites of her missionary service. In her declining years, her only anger or frustration was over the restrictions imposed by a naturally deteriorating body. We rejoice in knowing she is now back pursuing her "life's mission."

She continues as a life light forever shining in the hearts and memories of her children (and spouses), Michi (Doug Matsumori) and Koji Sato (Vicki), her grandchildren (and spouses), Christian Matsumori (Jody), Dylan Matsumori (Amy), Misa (Jamie Sorenson), Devin Matsumori (Becca), Derek Matsumori (Jeanette), Amy (Paul Stimpfle), Josh Sato (Tiffany), Brett Sato and Jared Sato and her 21 great-grandchildren and literally countless friends and acquaintances. Reunited with Tatsui, her parents, brother, Koji, and sisters, Mitsuko and Kazuko, she is also survived by sisters, Julia Shigeko Ando and Carol Matsuda.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to her devoted and loving care-givers in Wentworth Assisted Living and Brighton Hospice for giving personal, tender and touching care to her. Thanks also for the devotion showed by the LDS Wentworth Branch.

Her life celebration will be Saturday, June 15th. A viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Dai Ichi Ward at 2005 South 900 East in Salt Lake City. In lieu of donations, Tomi would want missionary contributions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a work that she always loved and performed.