Mary Sumiko Taguchi

Mary Sumiko Taguchi passed away peacefully on August 17, 2018 at the age of 90. She was born in Las Vegas, NV on May 9, 1928 to Sam & Tome Nakanishi.

Just before WWII the family moved to Los Angeles. The family was later taken to the internment camp at Heart Mountain, WY. This impacted Mary Sue for the rest of her life. She was determined and tenacious and very driven in life! As a youth she was a passionate basketball player!

Her first marriage to Utaka Miyama ended in his death in 1962. They had a son Jeffrey in April, 1962. In May 1969 she remarried to Jimmie M. Taguchi in Las Vegas. After a couple of years they relocated to Torrance, CA.

Mary Sue’s was an entrepreneur at heart. She was also a visionary! In about 1968 she purchased a piece of land in Vegas that many said was too far out. She eventually built a building on it with her brother, Sam, and they opened a Japanese restaurant, gift shop and dress shop. Eventually she sold her share to her brother when she moved to Torrance with Jimmie and Jeffrey. The restaurant, now owned by nephew Gene Nakanishi, is Osaka Japanese Bistro in the center of Las Vegas life! In her 60’s she took over her Jeffrey’s property management company in Las Vegas. This was the start of her “split” living between Torrance and Vegas. She continued this life until she was 84 when she sold her business.

A member of Hope United Methodist Church in Torrance for decades. Mary Sue was also an avid Lakers fan. It was said that when she was watching a game Jimmie would often take Jeffrey for ice cream because it got a bit too intense!

Mary Sue was a generous woman that loved to help and support young people in education. Her commitment for education came from her mother, Tome.

She is survived by her granddaughter, Emilia Taguchi and her daughter-in-law Heather Taguchi. Her sister Alice Louie, brother Jack Nakanishi. Her nieces Karyn Convertini, Barbara Louie, Sandy Louie, Kim Fiore, Jennifer Thompson, Jackie Nakanishi, Joy Faas. Her nephews Gene Nakanishi, Ryan Nakanishi, Eric Louie and Terry Louie. She is preceded in death by her son Jeffrey Taguchi, husband Jimmie Taguchi, brother Sam Nakanishi and brother George Nakanishi.