Dorothy Teruko Sakurada

Dorothy Sakurada passed away shortly after her 103 birthday in July 2024.   She was born in Las Animas, CO, and was the oldest of 7 children. She surpassed her siblings William (Sumi), Floy (Tommy), Lily (Tommy), Julius (Thelma), George (Marvel), and Edna (Yukio).

Dorothy’s family includes 5 children (spouses): Karen (Dean), Patricia (David), Christine, Randal (Kalene), & Renee (Robert); 6 grandchildren: Michael (Rhonda), Kristen, Sean (Natalie), Ryan (Dina), Jonathon (Melissa), & Noa; and 6 great-grandchildren: Connor, Luke, Dezmon, Atreyu, Laylani, and Roslyn. 

Dorothy graduated from Bent County High School. War prevented her from attending college. She married Masami Sakurada in Rocky Ford, CO. They were blessed to be married for 72 years. They farmed in Lyman, NE, and Ault, CO for many years. After retiring from farming, Dorothy and Mas worked for 10 years at Woodward Governor in Ft. Collins, CO before retirement.

Dorothy became a member of the Eastern Star Chapter receiving a 50-year member award. She held the positions of Chaplin, Assistant Conductress, Conductress, and Associate Matron.

In retirement, Dorothy and Mas enjoyed fishing and traveling with their family and good friends. They enjoyed visiting 47 states including Alaska and Hawaii, 9 European countries, Japan, and Canada.

Dorothy’s other hobbies included crocheting and gardening. She crocheted many items including crocheting blankets for each of her 5 children and 6 grandchildren. Dorothy and Mas always had a garden each summer for all their lives enjoying fresh produce right off the vines.

Dorothy and Masami’s spiritual faith played a major role in their lives. She was a member of St. Mary’s/Holy Apostles guild. They were active members of St. Andrews Episcopal Church and St. Peter’s Anglican Church where she continued to serve in the women’s guild groups.