Fujiko Sakamoto, Colfax resident, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2011 at Whitman Hospital in Colfax after suffering a heart attack at her home. She was 96. Family graveside services were held Saturday, July 16th at the Colfax Cemetery. Fujiko was born August 27, 1914 in Parlier, California (Fresno County) to Kumazo and Mineru Yoshinaga. She moved back to her parent's homeland of Japan until she was twelve years old and the family returned to California. They settled in Gardenia, California where Fujiko would later meet and marry Hayata "Henry" Sakamoto. The young couple made their home in the Los Angeles area where Fujiko worked as a housekeeper for private residents and Henry kept busy as a gardener. During World War II their family was relocated to Utah for about five years and in 1946 they returned to Los Angeles. Fujiko worked in factories for a time before they moved to Japan for several years. In the early 1970's they returned to the United States and settled in Boise, Idaho to be closer to family. Henry passed away in 1982 and in 2003 she moved to Colfax, Washington again to be closer to family. She attended the Methodist Church in California and Boise. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she enjoyed her pet birds. She is survived by her two children; son Sumio Sakamoto of Colfax and daughter Harumi "Jane" Kinoshita of Poway, CA; 4 grandchildren, Jim Sakamoto of Colfax (recently moved to Spokane) and Lynn Sakamoto-Howell also of Colfax, Glen Kinoshita and Kelly Kinoshita and 2 great-granddaughters, Taylre and Skylre both of Colfax. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, is caring for the family.