Lily Yuriko Suda

Lily was born April 6, 1926 to Taizo and Shinako Kuwabara in Sacramento CA. Family was always of the utmost importance to her throughout her long, full life of 94 years. Lily was the fourth of seven children. She cherished her brothers Paul, George, Harry, Machi and sisters Mary and Alyce.

Her family owned a chicken hatchery, where she and her siblings would wake up early every morning to gather eggs. In her early years, Lily performed "Odori" (Japanese traditional dancing) taught by the renowned Hana-yagi Roku Miye and even danced at the California State Fair. As WWII escalated, she and her family were sent to Pinedale Assembly Center for 6 months and then to Poston II Internment Camp in Arizona. She recalled her family slept in 2 rooms on cots with dust storms everyday. She was an excellent student, her class secretary and a certified stenographer. She graduated from high school in 1944 while interned in Poston, AZ.

Lily left camp with her sister Mary to attend Deaconess Hospital Nursing School in St. Louis, MO and received her RN degree in 1947. After the war she returned to Sacramento and worked for Sutter Hospital, when she met the love of her life, Willy Kazuo Suda. They married, started a family and built a beautiful custom home in Fresno, a dream come true! They owned and directed Fresno Clinical Laboratory, where she was the office manager, and other labs in the Central Valley. Lily was an active member of the Fresno Buddhist Temple and past president of their Buddhist Women's Assoc. Lily was a fabulous cook who loved to entertain. They hosted many celebrations including two weddings at their home. Willy and Lily were one of the original Lifetime members of Belmont Country Club and enjoyed golfing and traveling the world with many dear friends. They celebrated 66 happy years of marriage until Willy's passing in 2015.

Lily was a wonderful mother to Kathleen Suda (Wayne Cederquist), Patricia Suda Merrikh (Rami), Laura Sato (Kreyne) and Richard Suda, M.D.(Jeru). She was an inspiration to 9 grandchildren Robert, Keith, Karen, Leah, Brooke, Russell, Kirk, Jarrod, Nolan, and 9 great grandchildren. She is also survived by brother Machi Kuwabara of Sacramento and many nieces and nephews. We will never forget her smart wit, gentle demeanor, strong will and beautiful smile!

The family will have a private burial and a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor may be sent to Fresno Buddhist Temple, 2690 E. Alluvial, Fresno CA 93720.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lislefuneralhome.com for the Suda family.