Sumiko (Matro) Akai

She had a younger brother and sister, and they all grew up with their parents in Yokohama, Japan. Sumiko married Paul Matro in Yokohama during the Occupation after WWII. After Paul was honorably discharged from the US Army, they moved to Seattle and later had 3 children (Paul Jr., Jane and Nancy). Eventually as a single mother, she raised 3 children to adulthood on her own.

Sumiko and family are forever grateful to Rev. Emery E. Andrews (deceased) of the Seattle Japanese Baptist Church who for years provided her and other single mothers with guidance, family group picnics, trips to the mountains for matsutake picking, and ensured her 3 children regularly attended church. Sumiko later married Glenn Akai, and they had a daughter named Candee.

Sumiko loved kendo; ballroom, line and Japanese dancing; singing; watching samurai movies; traveling; sewing; knitting; and gardening. She is survived by her 4 children, 3 grandchildren and their partners, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Sumiko was a life-long member of the Seattle Nichiren Buddhist Church. Her family is grateful for the guidance provided by Rev. Eisei Ikenaga, and is thankful for the funeral service he conducted at the Seattle Nichiren Buddhist Church in January 2023. Sumiko is now at rest with Glenn at Sunset Hills Memorial Park.