Esther Hazel Nishikawa (Sakaguchi), of Oakdale, California passed away on July 1, 2023, to cross the bridge of life to join her fellow eternal angels.
Esther was born on April 28, 1947, to Sumiko (Sue) and Shigeru (Jim) Sakaguchi in San Jose, CA. Esther graduated from Pioneer high school of San Jose in 1965, and then attended the San Jose Beauty College. She had an extraordinarily successful career in hairdressing for over 40 years, with many patrons staying with Esther for a lifetime.
Esther’s love of adventure and travel took her to the throughout the USA, Far East, Canada, Egypt and to try many new things; only sister to purchase a motorcycle. Her quick mind and sharp eye made her the perfect bingo and bunko player. She was the best athlete of the family and had a competitive drive to never give up. She carried this spirit to the very end.
What stood out the most about Esther was her compassion, the love to help others, to listen with her ever present smile, and upbeat attitude and strong character. This was exemplified in Esther’s work at Oak Valley Hospital.
As part of the volunteer Oak Valley Hospital group, Esther took on the role of Treasurer along with helping patients. She became President and organized various fundraising activities for the hospital. She recruited Kats to become the group’s historian. Esther was later recognized by her peers for her contributions, leadership, and unwavering commitment to help others in need.
Esther was the type of individual who could strike up a conversation with anyone. She had the gift to have good relationships with everyone. And lastly, we must mention her extreme caring nature of her favorite animal - cats.
Esther found her perfect soulmate in Kats. Esther’s personality coupled with Kats flexibility founded a happy and caring marriage of over 50 years.
Esther is survived by her husband Kats and son Ryan Nishikawa of Oakdale, CA. Esther’s surviving sisters include Carol Ikemoto, Susan Handa, Janet Yamada; brother James Sakaguchi and predeceased by sister Christine Storm and brother Malcolm Sakaguchi.
We will all miss Esther as a wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, auntie, cousin, and friend along with her smile, sense of humor, guidance, compassion, and love.
In lieu of flowers or other remembrance gifts, Esther would have appreciated donations be made to Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Street, Oakdale, CA 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
July 12, 2023
