Chiyeko (Grace) Fujita

Chiyeko (Grace) Fujita passed away peacefully at home on July 28, 2025, at 100 years old. A native of Watsonville, Grace was born on December 21, 1924, to Saichiro and Asa Sugidono. She was a member of Watsonville High School class of 1942, but did not receive her diploma until 1992 at a special graduation ceremony, where a few interned Nisei students were presented with their diplomas. In her younger years, she worked as a housekeeper, and later worked at the family business, Fujita’s Garden in Watsonville. She was the backbone of the business for over 55 years, always greeting customers with a smile. She was a hard worker but always made time for her family as a loving wife, mother and auntie. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends on her days off, and her favorite pastime was playing the slot machines at the casino. She was a member of the Westview Presbyterian Church.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Yoshio and son, Philip, survived by daughters Donna and Kathy Fujita, and many nieces and nephews. A private burial at Pajaro Valley Memorial Park has been held.