Lilyan Shizuko Okamura's Obituary
Lilyan Shizuko Okamura
August 5, 1927 – April 2, 2026
Lilyan Shizuko Okamura, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2026, in San Ramon, California, at the age of 98.
Born on August 5, 1927, in Fresno, California, Lilyan spent her early years in Fresno and Los Angeles before relocating during World War II to Rohwer, Arkansas and later Chicago. She eventually returned to California, where she built a life rooted in family, resilience, and community, living in areas including Hayward and Moraga.
Lilyan was a talented beautician and entrepreneur who owned and operated a salon in San Francisco. Through her work as a hairstylist, she formed lasting friendships and touched the lives of many in her community. She was also a dedicated member of the SACBC Buddhist Temple.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Sueo Okamura.
Lilyan is survived by her sister, Hisako Godfrey; her children, Angel and Mark Brackett, Neil and Cynthia Okamura, Lynne and George Gatanaga, and Dean and Tina Okamura; her grandchildren, Ashleigh and Brian Frager, Leah Peters, Grant Gatanaga, Robert Kimo Okamura, and Thomas John Okamura; and her great-granddaughter, Hope Frager.
Lilyan will be remembered as a genuinely caring and devoted matriarch who always put her family first. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including golfing, playing cards with her friends, painting, and shopping. Her warmth, kindness, and enduring love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
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