Sueko (Sue) Fukuda passed away peacefully on November 11, 2022 at the age of 95. Sue was born in Lemoore, CA on July 6, 1927 to Gisaburo and Aya Nishikawa. She was the second youngest of nine children. The family later moved to Orange Cove. Sue attended Reedley High School until the Nishikawa family was relocated to the Poston Internment Camp in Arizona. After the war the family moved to Nagasaki, Japan. While in Japan she worked for the US Foreign Affairs and the US Military Government. Sue moved back to the United States and married Kenji Fukuda on April 10, 1950. They were married for 62 years.
In 1956 Kenji and Sue bought the farm on Dinuba Ave. where they lived until 2006. They worked hard to build their family farm of raisin grapes together. Sue was the bookkeeper for the family farm. She was an active member of the Bowles Buddhist Church, Bowles Shinwakai, Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Temple, Fresno Betsuin Senior Club, Fresno Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association and a Bulldog Foundation Member.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Kenji, her parents Gisaburo and Aya Nishkawa; her brothers Wataru, Goro, Toshiro, and Kaoru, her sisters Chiyoko and Tomiko. She is survived by her children Linda (Jeff) Takeda, Cary (Leslie) Fukuda, Anne (Victor) Takeda; grandchildren, Garret (Katherine) Fukuda, Derek (Sarah) Fukuda, Brandon Takeda, Jason (Amy) Takeda, Matthew (Diana) Takeda, Jennifer (Alex) Arima, Dr. Nicole Takeda, Braden (Micaela) Fukuda; great grandchildren Kei and Ella Fukuda, Mila and Gemma Takeda, Madison Arima, Jillian Acosta, Jackson Gomes and Gianna Fukuda; brothers Noboru and Masato Nishikawa.
Sue will be forever in our hearts. Family was so important to her. Sue loved to quilt, knit, crochet, garden, and was a real handywoman around the house. She also enjoyed volunteering and doing community work. Sue loved traveling, going to the casino, playing Bingo at the Nikkei Center, and attending Fresno State Bulldog games. Most of all, she loved spending time with family and friends. She will be remembered for her honestly, kindness, and thoughtfulness.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dennis Nakata for his dedication and exceptional care, her caregivers Nora, Carmen, Minda, and Dina; Grace Home Kare, Aimee, Jerry, Vanessa, Mary Lou, and Alex; Evelyn and Quam from Compassionate Care.
We are very grateful for the many memories with family and friends. Private memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers or koden, donations may be made to the Central California Nikkei Foundation, 540 S. Peach, Fresno, CA 93727 or Fresno Buddhist Church Project Dana, 2690 E. Alluvial, Fresno, CA 93720.
