Joyce Fujii Honda

January 17, 1939 - March 30, 2023

Sacramento, California

Joyce Shizuko (Fujii) Honda, 84, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on Thursday, March 30, 2023, after a 15-year recovery from brain tumor surgery, which she embraced with grace. She was born in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii and preceded in death by her parents Tokio and Fumiko Fujii, and brother Donald Fujii. She is survived by her three children, Daryl Honda, Wesley Honda, Kristl (Alan) Plinz and her beloved grandson, Garen Plinz.

Joyce will be remembered as a sweet and special lady who taught us that beauty in life comes from kindness, a generous heart, positive thinking, laughter, daily grit and gratitude. Despite all her challenges, she greeted each day with a smile and had the strongest will to live for her kids and grandson. Her “no worry, no hurry” spirit of hope and patience will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Joyce graduated from Armstrong College in Berkeley, CA, volunteered as an instructional aide in elementary schools, and was as an executive secretary at the California Association of Health Facilities in Sacramento, CA. Her passion and energy were dedicated to her children, family, friends and community. Always giving, serving or listening to others, she was driven by compassion and empathy.

Even if she needed a lot of help herself, she continued to help others. Joyce hosted a Knifty Knitters gathering of Hawaii gals at her home to learn about knitting and crocheting. As their skills grew so did the group and soon, they connected with the Sacramento Assistance League and donated thousands of handmade knit caps, scarves, blankets, and more. With resilient persistence, Joyce slowly but surely knitted caps almost to the end. If you were one of the lucky ones to receive one of Mom’s handknit caps, hold on to that treasure.

Born on the Garden Island, Joyce loved flowers and gardening. Later in life, she learned about Japanese flower arranging and was a member of the Sacramento Chapter of Ikebana International. Ikebana teachers and students enjoyed coming over to pick Ikebana “material” from her garden and she nurtured many plants to donate for fundraising sales. If you remember buying one of Joyce’s plants or starts, it is probably still genki and thriving.

Mom watched every Sacramento Kings basketball game as their biggest fan. The day before she passed, her wishes came true as she watched the Kings clinch a playoff spot! She will continue to cheer from heaven and bring them good luck.

Our Mom would want you to know that no matter what, everything will work itself out if you accept your circumstances, try your best every day, receive the help you need, and appreciate the moments you have been given. We were blessed with 15 bonus years of memories and extended life lessons with her. Our Mom’s legacy of love will remain in our hearts forever.

The family would like to express our deep appreciation for her caregivers who have become part of our family. We thank all her friends, relatives, doctors, nurses, therapists, specialists, and countless others whose prayers and support sustained her in her final years.

Joyce will continue to be a bright light in all our lives and shine rainbows of aloha to spread her energy into the universe. If you pay attention, you might just get a visit from an akatombo (red dragonfly) when you need a little boost of ganbaru.

Honoring our Mom’s wishes, there will be no service in Sacramento, but she will be laid to rest alongside her parents at a private burial on Kauai. In lieu of koden or flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to ACC Senior Services or your favorite charity.