Obituaries

Mary Satsuyo Yamakawa passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 5, 2008, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Sonoma. Mary is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Jimmy Yamakawa of Sonoma. Mother of Delwin Yamakawa of Sonoma, Lucy Yamakawa Cox of San Jose, Jenny Yamakawa of Sonoma; mother-in-law of Marshall Cox; sister of Edna Nagata of Kauai, Rose Nakamura of San Mateo, and the late brothers Leo, George, and Johnny Kikuchi and the late sister Harlene Morikawa. Grandmother of Yoshi and Riker Cox and also survived by numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A native of Sonoma County, Mary was born in Sebastopol. She grew up on the Kikuchi Ranch on Sanders Road, working with the family on over 100 acres of apple orchards. During World War II, her family was relocated to the Merced Assembly Center in 1942, and then transferred to Amache Internment Camp in Granada, Colo. She returned to Sebastopol in 1945. Mary attended Pleasant Hill School and graduated from Analy High School in 1947 and attended Santa Rosa Junior College.
In March 1957, Mary married Jim, a Sonoma native. Mary and Jim continue to own and operate Yamakawa Vineyard on Watmaugh Road. Her life long loves included her family, her many pets, playing poker, gardening and working with her husband in the vineyard. She was an avid supporter and cheerleader of her children’s and grandchildren’s sports events, including football, baseball, basketball, soccer and tennis.
At the Enmanji Buddhist Temple, she was a member of the Japanese American Citizens League and Buddhist Women’s Association.
Over the past six years, while enduring dialysis three times a weeks, Mary made many lasting friendships at the Napa Dialysis Center.
A viewing was held at Duggan’s Mission Chapel in Sonoma on Tuesday, June 10. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, June 11 at Enmanji Buddhist Temple in Sebastopol. In lieu of flowers, it would be Mary’s wish that donations be made in her name to the Napa Valley Community Dialysis Center, 1100 Trancas St. #267, Napa, CA 94558