Jean Chiyoko Toyama

Jean Toyama, 86, passed away in Elk Grove on August 31 after a heroic battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Jean is survived by her loving husband, Fred, of nearly 64 years, her daughter Kelly and husband Michael, her son Ryan, daughter Jill and two grandchildren Emalie (boyfriend Chris) and Richie. She is also survived by her sister Judi Akemi Freedman, sisters-in-law Sharon Sakauye and Toshi Toyama, brothers-in-law William Toyama and wife Nancy, Lindley Toyama and wife Janice, her Uncle Charles Uyeda, her Aunt Toshiko Uyeda and many loving nieces, nephews and dear cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Shinobu and Shizuye Sakauye, and her two brothers James and Jun.

A native of Penryn, CA, Jean, a third-generation Japanese American, was incarcerated with her family at Heart Mountain, Wyoming during WWII. Jean graduated from Sierra College and Sacramento State College with a BA in Liberal Arts. Jean married Fred in 1958 and after teaching elementary school children for two years, she settled down to raise her family.

Family and faith were very important to her and she was a shining example to her children of how to live one's life. Whether it was volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, spending time with friends in care homes or advocating with Fred for her disabled daughter or making sure her kids spent quality time with the relatives in Monterey and Los Angeles each year, she gave generously to her family and others.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Home Instead, Blessed Home for Seniors, Suncrest Hospice and Senior Care Solutions for their care and support to Jean and her family in her final months.

Per her wishes, the immediate family will be holding a private memorial service. The family respectfully requests no koden.