Katherine Sachiko Kawano

Born on December 28, 1949, in Sacramento, Ca, to the late Isamu and Genevieve Masuhara. Kathy passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, in Fresno, Ca, She was the devoted wife of the late Bruce H. Kawano of Fresno, Ca.

She enjoyed country living in the Natomas farming community in Sacramento and had lifelong friends in the area. A graduate of Norte Del Rio High School and Sacramento State University. She married Bruce in 1982 and moved to the Fresno area. Employed by the State of California for 30 years and most recently with the Department of Fish and Game in Fresno, where she had many caring friends.

Kathy will be remembered for her talent as "Official Photographer" at family and friends' gatherings. She always had a cheerful smile, enjoyed a good laugh, had a kind, positive attitude, and always thought of others first. She was very generous with the many fruits and vegetables raised on the Kawano and Natomas farms. Her greatest devotion was to her son, Jim.

She is the beloved mother of Jim Kawano of Fresno, Ca. She is survived by mother-in-law, Kimi Kawano of Clovis, Ca; cousins Dr. Ronald, Michiko, and Kenta Oye of Lodi, Ca; and brother-in-law, Dr. Kelvin Kawano and wife, Norma, of Clovis, Ca; and sister in law Jeanne Hannigan and husband, Steve, of Hilo, Hawaii. She will be dearly missed by many aunts; uncles; nieces; nephews; and cousins of the Masuhara families in Sacramento, Ca., Tsushima families of Stockton, Elk Grove, Fremont, Ca., Kawano families of Fresno, Clovis, Ca. and the Kubo families of Turlock, Ca.

Friends are welcome to the visitation at Lisle Funeral Home, on Sunday, July 10, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friends are welcome to attend Services at Fresno Betsuin Family Dharma Center, located 2720 E. Alluvial in Clovis, Ca. on Monday, July 11, 2011, at 2:00 p.m.

Arrangements under the direction of Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.