Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at age 94. Preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tamio “Tom” Suyama and her son, William. Loving mother of David (Lynette Jarreau) and daughter-in-law Barbara. Proud grandmother of Wendy (Kevin Leonard) Suyama, Amy (Adam Barnes) Suyama-Barnes, and Scott (Nicole Chavez) Suyama. Cherished great-grandmother of Annelise, Everly, Parker, Penelope, and Phinnigan. Marty was preceded in death by three sisters, Yoshiye Grace, Midori Dora, Meiko May, her half-sister June, her brother Yoneo, and step brother Seyichi. She is survived by her step brother George and nieces and nephews in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.
Marty was born to Shunzo and Sadame Mori in Fresno, California. The family moved to Reedley, California when she was 2 years old. One of her sisters nicknamed her “Smarty Marty” because of her aptitude in mathematics. She was offered scholarships to three colleges, but while waiting to hear from a fourth, her life changed forever. In June 1942, the US government removed persons of Japanese ancestry, including American-born citizens, to incarceration camps at the start of World War II. Marty’s family was relocated to the Poston War Relocation Center in Arizona where the family lived for 3 years. Marty graduated from Poston III high school in 1943 and because of her detainment, was unable to fulfill her dream of going to college.
After the war Marty moved to Milwaukee where she went to beauty school and worked as a beautician. She met Tamio (Tom) Suyama at Westminster Presbyterian Church and they were married there in 1950. Tom and Marty loved to be together as much as possible–golfing, gardening, traveling–so much so that no one ever really said one of their names without the other. “Tom and Marty” rolled off the tongue more readily than either name alone. She and Tom traveled the US, toured Europe and Asia, and went on Caribbean cruises. They raised two sons, Bill and Dave, of whom they were deeply proud. Family was their greatest joy, which was obvious in the photos Marty carried with her at all times, ready to share with all. Tom and Marty were blessed to have celebrated 68 anniversaries.
Tom and Marty joined West Granville Presbyterian Church in 1956 and enjoyed being active in the church for over 60 years. Marty loved to sing in the choir, attend Lunch Bunch and Open Circle gatherings, and foster the many deep, lifelong friendships she made in the church community.
Marty was proud of her Japanese heritage and she carried on Japanese traditions, making delicious mochi, sushi, adzuki beans, New Year’s ozoni, and crafting beautiful temari balls. Marty was an active 1000 Club Life member of the Japanese American Citizens League and was named Member of the Year of the WI chapter. She represented and demonstrated Japanese culture at the Holiday Folk Fair since its inception in the 1940’s. Marty and Tom also shared and presented their Japanese American experience and the art of origami to local students.
Marty was an avid sports fan. The officials were always wrong when they made a call against her beloved Packers, Brewers, Bucks, or Badgers and she closely followed her favorite professional golfers and tennis players. You could often find Marty on the golf course with family and friends, and many happy memories were made playing Mahjong, Sequence, Uno and other games at their dining room table.
Tom and Marty resided at Luther Manor for the past 5 years. On March 8, 2017, Marty was honored on International Women’s Day as one of Luther Manor’s Strong Women. Interviewed in her apartment, surrounded by pictures and mementos of the people most important to her, her strength throughout life was apparent. Marty was admired and loved. Her vibrant spirit, caring heart, and warm smile will be remembered and missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
An in-person celebration of life will be held at a future date when it is safe to do so. Please visit the Krause Funeral Home website for information.
Memorials to West Granville Presbyterian Church or the WI Japanese American Citizens League appreciated.
