Sumiko Ishikawa Gaither

Susie was born in Tokyo, Japan on October 27, 1933 as the second child to Fujio Ishikawa and Tomi Satoo Ishikawa. Susie said she was one of 10 children.

She married an American serviceman and came to the U.S. as what was called “a war bride.”

She was a young girl enduring many prejudices, learning English, and getting her citizenship.

She was widowed in 1981, but lived on her own resources, cleaning homes, landscaping, pet sitting, staying as she told her friend busy, busy, busy! She was honest and loyal to her friends which made her an asset to those she worked for. Also she was so observant and her memory never failed her up to the end though her body did.

Sumiko was a nonpracticing Buddhist. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Gaither, her sister Kimiko Korman, and her brother-in-law Andrew Korman.

There will be a celebration of life scheduled at a later date. Her cremation remains will be joined by her pet conure (parrot)-, Booby, of over 20 years. She loved animals.

In lieu of flowers, Sumiko asked donations made to St. Jude Cancer Hospital and to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Sumiko’s friends would like to thank Dr. Vu Tran and staff. Accent Care Hospice, and to HCA Sun City Center by honoring her request to make her comfortable in her death.