Patsy Katsuno Kuwata
Patsy Katsuno Kuwata, daughter of Haruo and Kiyoko Akiyama, passed away in Torrance, California, at the age of 87. She was born on April 14, 1933, in ‘Ele‘ele. She grew up in Hanapepe, then left for Los Angeles to find work. In Los Angeles, she married Frank Kuwata. They had two sons, Dean and Kevin.
After her sons grew up, she went back to work as an executive secretary for Hughes Aircraft. She worked until after her husband retired. She enjoyed cooking, and baking cakes and pies for special occasions, sewing, crafts, gardening, tai chi chuan and ceramics. Anyone who knew her could attest to the fact that she excelled at all of these. She also enjoyed taking trips to Las Vegas and Hawai‘i with her husband.
Patsy and Frank Kuwata were devout members of the congregation at the Gardena Valley Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by father Haruo Akiyama and mother Kiyoko, husband Frank Kuwata, eldest son Dean Kuwata and sister June Shishido.
She is survived by brother James Akiyama, sisters Carol Akiyama and Amy Sagawa, youngest son Kevin Kuwata and numerous nieces and nephews.
She will be interred with her husband at the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family was assisted by Los Angeles Cremation in Redondo Beach.
