Makiye Okumura

November 8, 1929 - February 25, 2018
Makiye Okumura

Makiye "Mary" Okumura

Salt Lake City, UT - Surrounded by her family, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully at her home on February 25, 2018.

Mary was born in Clearfield, UT on November 8, 1929 to Kitaro and Tsuu Miyagishima.  During her early childhood she and her siblings moved to Japan to live with her grandmother and aunt.  After 5 years, they returned to America to reunite with their parents on Terminal Island, CA.  The family moved to Utah after the beginning of World War II. 

She graduated from Davis High School and later met Ichiro Okumura.  They married on June 22, 1952 and built a life together in Salt Lake City with their 3 children and a large network of family.  Mary was the ultimate caregiver - caring for her father-in-law, 4 brothers-in-law until they married, and her 4 granddaughters until they went off to daycare.

Mom's greatest joy was her grandchildren.  She attended their activities, cheered their successes, and supported their dreams.  In her later years when she was unable to attend their events, she loved watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the digital frame that sat by her chair. 

Survived by her children Jeffrey (Jodie), Michael (Sharon), Diane; grandchildren Mathue (Sarah) Faulkner, Michelle, Jennifer (Ryan) Gilpatrick, Madison, and Megan; great-grandchildren Olivia, Jaycee, Nora, and Hudson; brother Yoshimi (Lillie) Miyagishima; sister Satsuki "Mae" Shimada, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her husband Ichiro, parents, brother Yoshio Miyagishima, and sisters Suyeko Lee and Kikumi Hoki.

A very special thanks to Diane for taking care of Mom the past several years, and to the staff of Aspire Home Health and Hospice for the care and compassion they gave to Mom.

A private family graveside service will be held on March 17, 2018 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  A celebration of her life will be held that same day from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E. Salt Lake City, UT. Guests are encourage to use the complimentary valet parking on the north side of the building.