Karen Sue Sasaki

Karen "Suedy" Sasaki passed away peacefully at her home under hospice care on April 28, 2020. She was born in Bakersfield, CA on November 29, 1948, and grew up in Delano. She was predeceased by her parents Masami and Fumico Mary Okasaki, her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew Janice, Bob, and Bryan Murai. She is survived by her loving husband Barney, brother David (Cathryn) Okasaki, nephews Brandon Murai, Stephen Okasaki, Scott (Andrea Ah Po) Okasaki, niece Rory (Scott) Gutierrez, and grand-nieces Sophia and Violet Okasaki, Joie and Kit Gutierrez. Suedy was a graduate of UC Davis and attended Art Center in Los Angeles for two years. She worked for many years with Tony Naganuma at NDD Creative in San Francisco as an Illustrator and Creative Designer. In 1993, Suedy and her sister Janice created "Suedy's Koo-ki Sushi" in San Jose and employed their mother, father, uncle, nephews, nieces, in-laws and any relative who ventured into their shop! Family was very important to Suedy and after her sister and parents passed, her heart was no longer invested in the business. She loved the Bay Area sports teams, but secretly rooted for the LA Dodgers (s-h-h-h). She rejoiced when Patty Marleau returned to San Jose and pictured Jumbo hoisting the Cup to the cheers of Shark fans. She loved playing her "lucky" numbers at Keno machines and getting to the bonus rounds at her slots. Suedy had an uncanny knack for choosing just the right words or phrase, the perfect gift or pot luck dish. We will all miss her wise counsel. She was an amazing, creative, compassionate soul who made her world a better place.