Takae Nakamura

Our loving Sister, Aunt and Great Aunt passed away peacefully at her home on May 8, 2017, following a short illness. Takae’s family meant everything to her and she was surrounded by siblings, nephews and nieces throughout her final days.  Takae was born August 24, 1919 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Frank Chogoro and Tane Maede Nakamura.  She was the fourth child but the first girl of the seven siblings.
In Takae’s own words, “she wishes to express her humble and warmest appreciation to her family and very precious nieces, nephews and their families for their many years of kindness, caring concern, and happiness they so generously shared with her.  Thank you very much with love to you all.  I was so lucky.” Takae created beautiful photo and memorabilia books of her families’ lives. She was so proud of her nieces and nephews and their many accomplishments, both great and small.
Takae began working at an early age in her parent’s grocery store and café in Soldier Summit.  She made many friends working at the store and café including truck drivers, sheepherders and tourists that traveled through the Summit.  Her happiest days were working alongside her mother and father.
After her parents retired and moved to Salt Lake, she attended night classes at Stevens-Henager’s Business College.  Takae worked at a few companies and landed a professional-track position at Kennecott Copper. But before her career could truly flourish, Takae stepped aside for four years so that she, with her sister Aki, could lovingly care for their mother who was bedridden from a massive stroke. Takae finished her career working at Maycock Brokerage where she served as the office manager until she retired.
Takae was an active member of the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple. She taught Dharma school and received the Sangha award which is given once a year to a member who is 80 years or older for their exceptional service to the Temple.
Takae enjoyed travelling with family and friends. One of the highlights of Takae’s travels was to Japan to see where her mother and father were born.
Takae’s passion was to keep her extended family close by hosting Sunday dinners, barbeques in the park and holiday gatherings (particularly New Year’s) with plenty of delicious food.
While Takae never married, she certainly used her maternal instincts to help raise and positively influence all of her ~40 nieces and nephews.
We would be remiss if we did not mention that Takae loved dogs and had many throughout her life. When she wasn’t walking with her four-legged companion, Benji in the park she enjoyed cooking, sewing, knitting and crocheting. In her later years, her favorite pastime was watching Korean movies into the wee hours of the morning.
Takae’s survivors are broken hearted. She is survived by her brother Masuji (Eleanore) Nakamura, Bountiful, UT, sisters Akimi (Neil) Chow, Salt Lake, UT, and Betty Komachi, Monterey Park, CA.  She is also survived by her adoring nieces, nephews and their families, scattered from coast to coast. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Karl (Koji), Masaji Imai and Kay (Keiji). She was also preceded in death by Benji.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Beth Hanlon and her staff for their compassion and care throughout the years.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 11am at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple. A viewing will be held Friday Evening, May 19, 2017 from 6-8 PM at Deseret Mortuary (36 E 700 S) SLC. A viewing will be held at the Buddhist Temple from 10:00-10:30 AM prior to service.  Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to; Memorial Deseret Mortuary.
Service Information
Viewing May 19, 2017 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Memorial Deseret Mortuary, 36 East 700 South, Salt Lake City, UT





Viewing May 20, 2017 at 10:00 - 10:30 AM
Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, 211 West 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT





Funeral Service
May 20, 2017 at 11:00 AM
Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, 211 West 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT