MILDRED SAYAKO "MILLIE" MEZURASHI

Known as Sayako Nakamura and raised in Kula, Maui, she was born to Yoshio Nakamura and Natsu (Tanaka) Nakamura on October 21, 1932 and peacefully passed in her sleep at home in Honolulu on May 28, 2018 at the age of 85. After graduating from Maui High School, she moved to Honolulu to attend Honolulu Business College. Upon arriving in the city she changed her name to Mildred Nakamura.

It was at Bishop National Bank she met the bank mail delivery boy named Russell, also known as ‘Mamo’ whom she married in 1956. Her career as a professional administrative secretary began as the Executive Secretary to the President of Times Super Market. Subsequent positions include 14 years as the Executive Secretary to the President of Dillingham Land Corporation, Real Estate Division; Executive Secretary at Theo H. Davies and other Executive/ Administrative positions in downtown Honolulu. She retired in August 1996 after 9-1/2 years as the Executive Secretary to the President of Fletcher Pacific Construction Company. She was an active member of PSI (Professional Secretaries International).

Millie’s mid-life accomplishments challenged her to learn how to swim at the Manoa Rec Center, take karaoke lessons, take golf lessons and also acquire the ‘bug’ to frequent Las Vegas. This opened a new chapter for Millie and Russell creating many memories for years to come. Honolulu Country Club (HCC) became their home course where you could find her every Saturday golfing with the women’s golf club and he with his foursome. Sunday’s brought them back to HCC golfing with one or both of their children. She and Russell joined golf clubs, traveled on golfing trips, went to visit friends, places of interest and frequently escaped to Las Vegas to golf and gamble. Their golf bag was a piece of luggage they could not leave home without. Millie was lucky in Vegas, often leaving exhausted and smiling anxious to return home to share her winnings and her stories.

Millie’s spirit and adventure engaged her in different activities ranging from season tickets at the Diamond Head Theater, volunteering at Kuakini Hospital, canvassing neighborhoods or working at headquarters during election year, even at the Legislature. But making spam musubi and bento attending UH Football games season after season is one activity she would not miss. She was active in Manoa Valley Church committees, their annual fundraising event and countless Sunday’s bringing fresh fruit platters for the after service snack for the congregation.

She is survived by husband Russell, son Robin and daughter Lisa Mezurashi of Honolulu; three granddaughters, Jaye Mezurashi (twin), Jeannie Mezurashi (twin) of Honolulu and Jodi Anne (Victor) Cranfill of Colorado; four great grandchildren, Katin and Kielan Cayan (Jeannie) and Trevor and Colton Cranfill (Jodi Anne).

Millie is also survived by three siblings; brother Yoshiharu (Emiko) Nakamura of Kula, Maui; sister Nancy Chong and brother Masaki Nakamura of Honolulu; numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by brother Haruki Nakamura formerly of Kula, Maui.

We love her and miss her dearly and find comfort knowing she is at home with our Lord.

Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary