Sadako Tajima's Obituary
Sadako 'Sadie' Tajima entered into rest on January 27, 2008. A lifelong Alamedan, she was known for her love of music and was a dedicated pianist/organist until her death. She leaves a legacy of music at the Buena Vista United Methodist Church in Alameda, which counts her parents Hyakutaro and Yoshi Towata among the founding members. Sadie, as she was known, was the wife of Tatsumi (predeceased) and is survived by her loving daughters, Nancy of Alameda, Joanne (Wilton) Lee of Berkeley, Patricia of Alameda, Janis (Richard) Yamaguma of Los Altos, beloved grandchildren Christopher and Jared Lee and Jenna and Kelli Yamaguma, as well as many nieces and nephews. Sadie was born and raised in Alameda, the youngest of seven siblings (all preceded in death), Lillian (George) Takagawa, Richard (Dick), Viola (Senyen) Kuze, John, Dorothy, and Louise (Joe) Yamada. She loved Alameda, where she lived her entire life, with the exception of the years during World War II. She and her family were among the 110,000 persons of Japanese ancestry who were relocated from the West Coast and incarcerated in remote camps. The Towata family was interned at the Topaz Relocation Camp in Utah during the war years. Sadie continued her love for music and was the regular pianist for the talent shows performed during those years, as well as the Jazz band the Jivesters. Towards the end of the war, she moved to Chicago to be with her sisters, but returned to Alameda after the war ended. It was then that she met and married Tatsumi Tajima, a WWII veteran and former member of the esteemed 442nd Regiment Combat Team. Sadie and Tatsumi settled in Alameda and raised their four daughters. They ran The Flower Shop in Fremont for 25 years. Sadie was an active parent at Haight, Lum, and Wood Schools, as well as both Alameda and Encinal High Schools. She was deeply involved with the Buena Vista United Methodist Church and was the organist for over 70 years. Upon retiring from the floral business, she received her greatest joy from her grandchildren. She frequently attended their basketball games, gymnastics meets, and band concerts. Sadie also continued her passion for music. In addition to playing regularly at Church, she frequently volunteered to share her talents with local nursing homes and retirement homes. A celebration of Sadie's life is planned for February 17 at 3:00 p.m. at the Buena Vista United Methodist Church, 2311 Buena Vista Avenue in Alameda. Her music will live on in all who knew her.
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