Sarah Hisayo Kitagawa

May 2, 1921 – August 21, 2012

Sarah Hisayo (Sasaki) Kitagawa, 91, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2012, surrounded by her only son, Kelly Kiyoshi Kitagawa, and grandson, Keith Mitsuo Kitagawa. She was born on May 2, 1921 in Livingston, California to Kiukichi and Yoshi Sasaki. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Kikuo Kitagawa, son, Craig Tsugio Kitagawa, brothers, George and Tom Sasaki. Sarah grew up in Walnut Grove and was one of four children. Her remaining sister is Bernice (Sasaki) Dingley. Sarah graduated from Cortland High School and was later interned in the Japanese Rohwer Relocation Camp in Arkansas.

Upon her return, Sarah attended San Joaquin Delta College and received an Associate Arts degree. She later began her career at the Stockton State Hospital. After 27 years as a Physiciatric Technician III, Supervisor, she retired and began a life of volunteerism. Her activities included Stars of the San Joaquin Sheriff Department, Stockton Blind Center, To Mo No Kai of the Stockton Buddhist Church, JACL of Stockton, & numerous other activities. Her hobbies included cooking, sewing, knitting, art work & traveling.

Sarah was the loving Mother of Kelly Kiyoshi Kitagawa of Stockton and is survived by three grandsons and great-granddaughters.

Sarah’s Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 1, 2012, 1pm at Frisbie-Warren & Carroll 809 N. California St., Stockton, 95202.