Yaeko Sugiyama, passed away in a loving environment, on September 5, 2011 at the age of 84. She was born in California but stayed there for a few short years before she moved to Japan, due to the unexpected death of her father. Yaeko spent her formative years in Japan, but the conditions were harsh because this was the time during World War II. She returned to the United States in the late 1950's. She eventually became one of the main members of the family business, Nakamura Farms, one of the Japanese flower gardens on Baseline road. She was a hard worker and a very kind and loving person. That kindness extended to her love of pets, especially her fondness of cats. Her most remarkable attribute was her contagious smile! Yaeko is survived by six brothers, one sister, many nephews and nieces, in-law's and distant relatives. Visitation will be held Friday September 16, 2011 at Greenwood Memory Lawn Mortuary, 719 N. 27th Ave. Phoenix, Arizona, from 5pm-7pm. Memorial services will be the following day at the Arizona Buddhist Temple at 4142 W. Clarendon Ave. Phoenix, Arizona, at 3pm.