Mary Sakashita Aramaki, age 92, passed away on July 30, 2021, at home in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born on July 13, 1929 in Elko, Nevada to Fukutaro and Etsuno Sakashita. Her family then moved to Sacramento, California where she spent her early childhood years. She would fondly reminisce about those years, playing on K Street and helping at her parents restaurant, Bee Cafe.
During World War II, as with thousands of Japanese-Americans living on the west coast of the United States, the Sakashita family members were quickly evacuated from their home in Sacramento and sent to the Walerga Assembly Center, then to the Tule Lake Relocation Center. After a stay in Tule Lake, their family was sent to Topaz Utah Internment Camp where they were held for three years. After the war ended, they moved to Salt Lake City and Mary graduated from West High School. She met and married Hersh Aramaki and they raised 3 children in Salt Lake City.
Mary was an avid sports fan. She played high school basketball, loved fishing, bowling and frequent trips to Wendover. Her TV was always on the Tennis Channel, she knew every player and every tournament. Sometimes she’d allow the Tour de France or Little League World Series to come on, but 90% of the time it was tennis…until Christmas rolled around, then it was 100% Hallmark Channel. For the next 3 months we watched Christmas movies, non-stop. Everyone loved her cooking and she always made extra to send to the Uptown Service crew, her bbq ribs were her specialty. Her son-in-law loved it when she became a “roommate” because he would come home to a hot meal every night. Mary loved pets, especially cats. It was not uncommon to see her chopping up leftover prime rib for the outside strays. She had the greenest thumb around and enjoyed tending to her immaculate flower and vegetable garden. We always joked that she could throw seeds into the air, and magically, a bounty of vegetables would appear. She logged thousands of miles walking in the early morning hours, around Liberty Park with her neighbors Irene, Chako, Dorthie, Colleen and Kim. Most of all, her life was dedicated to her family. She was proud of her children but spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense joy. She loved teaching them, vacationing with them to Disneyland and just hearing about their lives. Her generosity, thoughtfulness and stubbornness will be missed more than words can say.
Mary was lovingly cared for for many years by her daughter, son-in-law and grandson. The family is grateful for their love and dedication. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Roy Gandolfi. We credit her long life to his excellent and compassionate care over the past few decades. He “lovingly” called her Dr. Mary because she would try to dictate her treatment. During Mary’s final year, she was visited regularly by Mike Sanders, her hospice nurse. His visits brought laughter and comfort, and we are thankful for his kind, competent care.
Mary is survived by her husband Hersh, children Craig (Tina), Dale, Jeri (Gary), daughter in law Teresa, 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, sisters in law, Jane Sakashita and Mary Ichiuji, brother in law Kayo Hayakawa and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings, George, Mitsuko, Toshio and Hideo.
Private family services will be held at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple with Reverend Jerry Hirano officiating. A celebration of life for Mary will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to the Murray Greenhouse Foundation 6366 S. 900 E. Murray, UT 84121 www.murraygreenhouse.org
