Susan Haruko Mitsunaga's Obituary
Susan Haruko Mitsunaga was born to Usuke and Shige
Shimohata on January 30, 1931, in the city of Fukuoka,
on the island of Kyushu, Japan. She was the 4th child of
6 siblings…3 brothers and 2 sisters who all preceded her
in death.
In her youth and as a young adult, Haruko and her family
endured a lot. Life was normal and simple in rural Japan
on Kyushu in the southern main Island. Kyushu had many
great sea ports to complement their farming and other
small industries. Haruko and family experienced many
hardships where the nearby city of Nagasaki was
devastated with destruction to end World War II. After
graduating from school, Haruko worked for a medical
pharmaceutical company. Sometime after the war she
also helped in a relative’s family store in the city of
Kumamoto on Kyushu that catered to the US military.
In 1960, she met a young American Sailor Toshio
Mitsunaga, who was of Japanese decent from Hawaii.
Toshio and Haruko’s relationship grew within a short time.
At first, her hesitant family was against the relationship,
but Haruko was persistent and Toshio’s respectful and
easily liked personality gave way for the family to give
their blessing. They were married on March 20, 1961, at
the American Consulate in Fukuoka Japan.
With her exciting new life ahead of her, Haruko joined
Toshio in the United States where she would face the
emotional impacts of a drastically different environment.
While Toshio deployed on numerous sea assignments,
Haruko wanted to return to Japan and visit family. But
with good strong advice from her mother, she chose to
stayed at her husband’s side as his constant companion
in life. Toshio’s career took them to Hawaii, California
more than once, and Massachusetts. All along the way,
Haruko prepared a wonderful home environment and took
on temporary jobs to help financially.
Haruko’s aspirations expanded beyond her wildest
dreams. She took hundreds of hours in adult education
to prepare her for naturalized citizenship in the United
States. She also took formal English language courses.
On October 1, 1970, she petitioned for citizenship, and on
October 23, 1970 she received her US Naturalized
Citizenship from then President Richard Nixon. With her
citizenship in hand, Haruko petitioned to change her
name to Susan Haruko Mitsunaga.
While living in San Diego, she worked for the Digital
Development Corporation, and was continuously
recognized for outstanding work performance awards.
By the late 1970’s, Susan and Toshio continued to chase
their dreams. They permanently relocated to their dream
home and property on the outskirts of Escondido, CA.
Their goal together was to give back and help people forthe rest of their lives.
Susan and Toshio accepted Christianity in their lives and embraced their community
with passion.
Susan enjoyed entertaining and cooking for friends. Their
home was a social hub for many friends and relatives.
Susan enjoyed painting, being the best homemaker, and
showing kindness to others. She was one of the most
generous people one could ever meet. Her entire life was
fulfilled in 2023, when she celebrated with relatives and
friends her 62nd wedding anniversary with Toshio. A
week later, she would return to Japan and visit her home
of Kyushu and visit with friends and relatives. On
February 5, 2025, Susan Haruko Mitsunaga passed away
peacefully with family by her side. We are all grateful to
receive her love all these years.
Susan is survived by her husband Toshio Mitsunaga,
along with numerous nieces and nephews from Japan,
New Mexico, California and Hawaii.
What’s your fondest memory of Susan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Susan?
Share a story where Susan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Susan you’ll never forget.
How did Susan make you smile?