Shizu Fujimura

July 30, 1917 – May 25, 2020

FUJIMURA, SHIZU, 102, quietly slipped away in her San Francisco home of 70 years on May 25, 2020. Born in 1917 in Isleton, CA to Utaso and Ai Fujikawa. She is survived by her beloved children Art Sera (Bonnie), Tom Fujimura (Sharon) and Ellie Riley, Grandchildren Taryn “Niki” Fujimura; Sean Sera (Azusa); Garett Fujimura (Audrey); Tammie Gallardo (Norman) and Steve Fujimura; and 5 Great Grand-children Ari, Vivian, Stephen, Leo, Kai and Lucas. Survived also by brother Stanley Fujikawa (Joan), her beloved “sister” (cousin) Chiharu Fujikawa in Japan and many nieces, nephews and extended family. She is preceded in death by her husband John, brothers Charlie (Alice), Noboru (Terry), Kenji (Irene), George (Ann), sisters Emiko Nakano (Mario) Barbara Ikenaga (Jim), Michiko Jung (Bob), and Kiyomi Uchino (Rick).

Shizu never seemed to age. She was an early advocate of maintaining a healthy body, mind and spirit before its time.

Always looking 15 or more years younger, she was an avid “health nut” drinking aloe juice, spirulina and a faithful fan of Jack LaLanne. She gave up red meats and began her meditation practice, saying, “You are what you believe.” She lived her belief that she could do anything she put her mind to and age had no reality. She practiced Tai Chi for 20 yrs. She taught herself (and her friends how to knit), because knitting keeps the mind sharp and fingers nimble. At 90 knitting was her “job.” She knitted for the homeless and her church bazaars. She made tons of Santa pins, colorful striped tawashi (scrubbies) fish and multi-colored rounds that she gave to the ER and hospital nurses, health medical staff, her family, friends and friends of friends. In fact, up until 10 days before she passed, she was knitting and smiling.

Shizu’s cardiologist of many years said it best…”I’m so glad the end was peaceful. May she rest forever in peace. You were so lucky to have had her as a mother and inspiring symbol. I for one will never forget her.”