Susan Tsurumaki Morris

On the morning of Friday, September 15th, 2023, the beautiful Susan Tsurumaki Morris passed away at the young age of 65 in Sacramento, California, surrounded in a bubble of love by her husband, daughter, son and son-in-law. Susan’s sudden passing was preceded by a few weeks of suffering from a complex diagnosis of endometrial cancer. While these final moments were painful and devastating, we cannot allow them to define the eternal memory of Susan. Rather, it’s of preeminent importance to Susan’s family that her memory is colored by the striking brightness of her spirit and the positive pureness she brought to everyone she touched. Known for her signature gorgeous smile and sparkling energy, Susan, also known as Sue, was born a beach babe on the island of Oahu in Hawaii at Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu on the clear sunny Saturday morning of January 18th, 1958. Every year, Sue would look forward to the sun shining down on her birthday. No matter the year, the sun always found a way of coming out for this bright-eyed soul’s special day. As a military brat, Sue had the privilege of living across the globe from Hawaii to Japan, to the East and West Coasts of the United States, all before the age of 18. She was both a Song Girl and the first Japanese Homecoming Queen as a Junior at Del Mar High School in San Jose, then went on to attend college at Sacramento State University. A true stunner, it’s of no surprise that Sue was highly sought after; though it wasn’t until a serendipitous night in November of 1981 that Sue’s real life love story began when she met Don, the love of her life, while managing Sacramento’s infamous Hungry Tiger Restaurant. The two went on to marry in 1987 and welcomed a baby girl in 1988 and a son in 1994. Fiercely dedicated to all of her endeavors, Sue led a devout retail career with Macy’s in Downtown Sacramento spanning multiple decades up until her passing, in addition to spearheading the charge of team mom for both of her children’s schools, sports teams and friend groups. She found great joy in artfully organizing events, helping those in need, deeply loving animals and giving the most thoughtful cards and gifts to her loved ones. Her unparalleled style and effervescent beauty and grace will never be forgotten. Sue is survived by her husband, Don, daughter, Caiti, son, Christopher, parents, Kiyoshi and Irene, and brother, Michael. Sue has been reunited with her beloved older brother, Dennis, who passed in 2002.  

Susan Tsurumaki Morris’ Celebration of Life will take place at William Land Park’s Amphitheater on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 at 12pm. Please join the family in packing a picnic lunch to follow in front of the WPA Rock Garden.