Shirli Shizuko Okabe

Shirli Shizuko Okabe passed away on Wednesday, April 17, after battling pneumonia. She will be remembered as a woman who enjoyed doing and creating for her family and friends. Known by some as “the Cookie Lady”, she was always happy when she could share her various sweet treats with others--particularly her appreciative family!

Shirli was born to Reverend Shinjo Nagatomi and his wife, Sumi, in San Francisco, on February 7, 1937. She was the first member of her family born in America. She had an older brother, Masatoshi, who settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and two sisters; Hideko (Dee) of Mill Valley, and Shinobu (Jean) of San Francisco. All predeceased her and she often lamented being the “last one left.”

During World War II, the family was relocated to Manzanar, where her father served as the minister for the Buddhist congregation. Post-war, the family moved to Southern California when her father was assigned to the Buddhist temple In Gardena. She graduated from Gardena High School and then attended USC, earning her teaching credential. While at USC, she met her future husband, Mas, at a church youth group event when he purchased the box-lunch she had prepared at a fundraising auction!

After a lengthy courtship, Mas and Shirli married in August 1960 and moved to San Jose where Mas opened his dentistry practice and Shirli taught kindergarten in the San Jose Unified School District. They had two children; Tish and Keith. Shirli was active in supporting the children’s activities: she was an assistant Bluebird leader for Tish and an assistant Cub Scout den leader for Keith.

She is survived by her loving children Tish Kato (Dennis) of Torrance, and Keith Okabe (Michelle) of San Mateo, and grandsons, Sean and Quinn Kato. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

She is already missed.

A joint memorial service for Shirli and Mas will be held on June 22nd at the San Jose Buddhist Betsuin, 640 N. 5th St. at 1:00pm.