Mary Shizuko Uyeda

Mary Shizuko Uyeda was born in Santa Maria, CA on August 18, 1927 and passed away on June 17, 2025 at Sierra Homes where she had resided for the last four years. Mary is preceded in death by her husband Ben, only son Bruce, Mother and Father, Tomojiro and Tome Sugai, and all five of her siblings and their spouses: Francis Sugai and wife Bessie, Todd Sugai and wife Mary, Ken Sugai and wife Keiko, Kit Sugai and wife Barbara, and Helen Matsuoka and husband Shig.

Mary lived in Santa Maria until 1941, when they relocated to Fowler when Japanese Americans were asked to move further inland, but after 3 months were still transported to Gila Relocation Center in Arizona where they stayed for 3 ½ years Upon release, she lived in Idaho before returning to Fresno in 1946. She met Ben here in 1947 and was married on March 11, 1951 where they settled in Reedley.

For the long time Reedley residents, Mary was a fixture at Rasco’s Variety store in downtown Reedley, working there for 24 ½ years at the front counter and then at La Verne’s Dress Shop until she retired to babysit her Granddaughters.

Mary is survived by two Granddaughters, Corey Hammack and her husband, Kyle, and Devan Uyeda , one Great-Granddaughter, Kaida Uyeda, Daughter-in-law , Rachel Uyeda , and many beloved Nieces and Nephews, and Great/Great-Great Nieces and Nephews.

Mary lived a long and fulfilling life devoting herself to her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking and baking, especially Japanese food and pastries that were the hit of every family gathering. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Reedley Buddhist Church on Saturday, July 5th at 10 a.m.