Masae Sasaki

Masae Sasaki passed away peacefully on September 25, 2016, at the age of 103. She has resided in Astoria, Oregon, for the past ten years with her son, Truman Sasaki. Masae was born on October 8, 1912 in Tacoma, Washington. She grew up in Stevenson, Washington where she graduated as salutatorian from Stevenson High School. She enjoyed small town life and growing up with her beloved sister, Dickie. In 1941 Masae married Takuji Sasaki and lived in Portland, Oregon. In 1942, the family was interned at the Tule Lake Relocation Camp during World War II. Although Public Law 405 was passed to encourage internees to renounce their U.S. citizenship, Masae steadfastly kept her citizenship. At war's end, the family moved to Japan to live on the family rice farm. Masae returned to Portland in 1950 to raise her sons as American citizens. Masae worked two summers picking berries with her three sons. She then went to work sewing for a drapery company. She later passed the civil service exam, and worked as an assistant librarian at the Portland State College library until her retirement in 1972. Masae had many friends through work at Portland State University. She also enjoyed her fellowship at Epworth Methodist Church and participated for many years in the Ikoi No Kai program as a volunteer and an attendee. Masae is preceded in death by her husband Takuji in 1962 and her sister Dickie in 2011. She is survived by sons, Richard, of Portland Truman (Norma) of Astoria, and Peter (Jean) of Mercer Island. She enjoyed her six grandchildren, Aaron Sasaki, Chris (Carmel) Sasaki, Joshua (Katherine) Sasaki, Cindy (Jonathan) Mates, Nathan Sasaki, and Shaun Snyder (Grace Im). Masae was also blessed with six great-grandchildren, Alison and Grant Sasaki, Jackson, Carter and Owen Mates, and Noah Sasaki. Masae is deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She will be interred at Rose City Cemetery beside her husband Takuji. A memorial service will be held in Portland, Oregon, at 11am at the Epworth Methodist Church on Saturday, October 15. A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Ikoi No Kai, the Epworth Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.