Sue Shigemasa

Obituary

Sue Ellen Shigemasa (Nakasone) passed away peacefully at Regional Medical Center on February 11, 2024. Family and friends were with her while she was in the hospital and by her side throughout. Sue was born on May 20, 1945 in Ewa, Hawaii to Ellen Masako Nakasone-Mauricio and adopted by her grandparents Uta Oshiro and Shinyu Nakasone but always remained a part of the lives of her mom Ellen and her dad Severino Fernando Mauricio and siblings. She graduated from Waipahu High School in 1963 along with her high school sweetheart, Tom Shigemasa. Sue and Tom married on June 24, 1967 and made a life in San Jose with their two children and extended family. She is survived by her loving family: siblings Karen, Paula, Pamela and Mike; half-sisters Carmen and Connie; daughters Lei and Carie; grandchildren Cristina, Kenneth, Cynthia, and Zachary; nieces Sheryl, Shanie, Kristin, Lea and Tabitha; nephews Tom, Scott, Chad, Darryl, Alex and Reid; and many more close family and lifelong friends. Sue was predeceased by her grandparents Uta and Shinyu, her husband Tom, her mom Ellen, her father Severino and her aunt Midori.Sue lived a long and complete life. She had a strong and loving marriage that lasted over 50 years and built a home that was a cornerstone for her family and friends and the site of many happy get togethers. Sue worked at an insurance company for many years, and became a full-time caregiver for Tom, who became a quadriplegic for over 17 years until his passing on June 18, 2020. Her compassion, grace, and strength throughout was amazing to behold. Sue loved her trips with Tom to London and Japan (and many other places), but she was happy and present wherever she was, with regular Costco runs, sharing large meals for events, watching Korean soap operas, playing games, and talking with anyone and everyone. Time with her grandkids was especially cherished and she would do whatever she could to help them and be a wonderful role model. She was warm and welcoming to anyone she met, the true embodiment of an ideal grandma. Sue had an inquisitive mind and was always interested in what was going on in the world both locally and globally. She was incredibly bright and thoughtful, and she made every conversation better with her wisdom and humor. Her family and friends cherished the times that they shared together, and she will be forever held in their hearts and memories. She will be very greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Jose JACL or Yu-Ai Kai in memory of Sue. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.