Marilyn Hatsue Sasai

Born on June 4, 1937, at Providence Hospital in Seattle, WA, Marilyn, or affectionately known to by many as “Bunny,” was the daughter of Nobuichi (Frank) and Shizuko (Jackie) Nagamine. In 1942, during World War II, Bunny and her family were removed from their home and sent to the Puyallup Assembly Center and then later to the Minidoka Relocation Center in Idaho. Returning to Seattle with her family, Bunny went to school and graduated from Garfield High School in 1955. She then continued her education at the University of Washington, earning her Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science. Bunny met her husband, Taro Sasai, at a dance, the two started dating and later married on March 22, 1959. Together they had three children: Sharon Kay, Richard Glen Nagamine and David John.

After Taro graduated from the University of Washington Dental school in 1963 and started his dental practice, Bunny was very busy managing the administrative side of the office and raising their three kids. In 1986, following Taro’s sudden passing, Bunny returned to school. At the age of 51, she earned another degree in Computer Science from Renton Vocational Technical Institute (1989). Bunny then took a job with the Seattle School District’s Head Start Program and worked there until she started preparing to retire. Changing plans, and instead of retiring, Bunny decided to join the Seattle Urban Academy in Rainier Valley as an office coordinator, where she remained until her eventual retirement.

Bunny’s life was deeply rooted in faith. She was a devoted member of the Japanese Presbyterian Church in Seattle, serving in many roles over the years: Deacon, Assistant Treasurer, church school teacher, building committee member and meal organizer for Operation NW (2004-2007). In 1984, she became the fourth woman ordained as an Elder in the church’s history and served as a moderator in 1991.

Bunny is survived by her daughter Sharon (Piet), grandchildren: Tom (Zoe), PJ and Adam; her eldest son Richard (Patsy) and her youngest son David (Aisa), grandchildren: Gabi and Grace. In addition to many in laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bunny’s Celebration of Life will be held on a later date, with details to be shared once available.