Takako Sugisawa's Obituary
Takako Sugisawa, 96, passed away peacefully at home on March 27, 2025. She was born on January 16, 1929, in Tokyo, Japan, and also lived in Chiba before moving to San Diego, California, in 1983.
Together with her husband, Yoshio Sugisawa, Takako opened Akita Sushi Restaurant in Escondido, where she became affectionately known to many as “Mama-san.” Her warm presence and hospitality left a lasting impression on the community.
Takako was the third of six children born to Hisakatsu and Aki Wakita. She attended Nihon Joshi Daigaku (Japan Women’s University), where she earned her degree. After retiring, she found joy in writing haiku and singing traditional Japanese Minyo songs with friends.
She is survived by her brother, Katsuyuki and Michihisa Wakita; and sister Junko Ohmura, daughters Yuko Ferazzi and Tomoko Uchimura; her son-in-law, Mitsuhiro Uchimura; three grandsons, Matthew Masaki, Brian Kenta, and Kevin Shota Ferazzi; and two great-grandchildren, Bobby and Sydney.
Takako was a devout Protestant who cherished time with her friends and family. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and engaging spirit. She loved sushi and had a deep affection for her dogs—Tricia, Prin, Rick, and Hema—whom she walked through the neighborhood daily.
She will always be remembered for her resilience, compassion, and the inspiration she gave to those around her.
Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 1-3 pm at the Clairemont Mortuary at 4226 Mt. Abernathy Ave San Diego, CA 92117
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