Bernice Nagato Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

With sorrow we announce the sudden passing of Bernice Shizuko Nagato. At 94 years young, she was full of spunk and energy, she passed on September 9, 2021: Bernice joins her husband, Susumu “Sus” Nagato, her parents Choji and Yukino Takahashi, and her three brothers, Waichi, Patrick Kinji and James Mitsuo in spiritual enlightenment. Growing up in Huelo then Kula, Maui, Bernice shared stories of family hardship and perseverance: her father, Choji Takahashi emigrated from Fukushima, Japan to Maui in 1913 to work on the pineapple plantation, and her mother, Yukino Sato, also from Fukushima arrived on Maui shortly after. Determination enabled the Takahashi’s to raise five children, of whom Bernice was the second eldest, born on June 11, 1927. Having bountiful creative skills, Bernice became an expert seamstress of beautiful dresses and completed many Bunka embroidery crafts. With sharp academic skills she excelled while attending Honolulu Business School. While living on Oahu she met her husband, Sus Nagato. Bernice worked at the Star Bulletin and later handled Sus’ Refrigeration Repair accounting, worked in real estate and assisted others with completing tax returns. Bernice and Sus had many travel adventures to the U.S. Mainland, Canada and most frequently Japan, often with her mom Yukino and Aunt Haruo Kasahara in tow. Bernice was proudly a committed member of the Paia Mantokuji Kyodan and Fujinkai, faithfully assisting in all areas of fundraising, including making nishime and sushi and helping to monitor semi-annual bazaars. She diligently attended Mantokuji meetings, often sharing her delicious, pickled peach and soft-boiled tako with miso sauce at pot-luck gatherings. In respect of Takahashi ancestors, she devoutly embraced monthly temple and nokotsudo clean up. As a faithful member of the Seicho-No-Ie Maui Group, early introduced by her mother, Yukino Takahashi, Bernice was a compassionate follower of the spiritual teachings through three generations of Reverends Taniguchi, also dedicating many years to help with the clean-up care of the Maui facility well into her 80s. Appreciative of her Japanese heritage, Bernice enjoyed learning and performing traditional Japanese dancing with Nakayama Minyo Kai and participating in annual Obon festivities adorned in kimono. She loved karaoke singing and at request would perform at events. Farewell Aunty Bee, we bow in gassho to honor you fondly with nostalgic stories of a sassy, spunky and independent lady till the end – say “Howdy” to Baban, Jiichan, Sus and the uncles. In remembrance, your sister: Anne (Takahashi) Masuda, niece: Michelle Masuda-Koga and nephews: Barry Masuda and Bryan Masuda. Faithful kitty Blackie misses you dearly. Private services were held for Bernice. In lieu of koden, we appreciate your kind support for Paia Mantokuji Mission in Bernice’s memory.

Bernice Nagato

June 11, 1927 - September 9, 2021