Sumie Akizuki a long time resident of Mercer Island, passed away peacefully with her sons by her side, on November 22, 2016 at the age of 87.

Born in Bellevue, Sumie was the third of seven children of Takayoshi and Michi Suguro, immigrants from Japan. She grew up on her family’s farm in the Midlakes area of Bellevue near what today is known as Lake Bellevue. Her family spent 3-1/2 years incarcerated in Tule Lake Internment Camp during WWII; after the war, she returned to Bellevue and graduated from Overlake High School in 1947.

Her first job at a manufacturing jewelry company in Seattle established her knowledge and love for jewelry. In 1970, she went to work as the Director’s secretary at the Japanese Agricultural Training Council. At 67, she retired from the Kobe Trade Office. She loved to travel and was involved in numerous charities and clubs. She will be missed by the many people she touched throughout her lifetime.

She was preceded in death by sister Mitsue and brother Jiro. She is survived by sisters Mae Deguchi of Seattle, Sueko Yoshiyama and Toshiko Suguro of Los Angeles; and a brother Ed of Seattle and her two sons, David (June) Akizuki and Doug Akizuki.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Mercer Island Community Center, 8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island on Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 12:30 to 3:00 pm.

Remembrances may be made to Densho, Keiro, or the Eastside Heritage Center.