Kazuko Tanaka (Tanaka) Peterson

Kazuko Tanaka Peterson, age 88, passed peacefully in her sleep on Sunday May 7, 2017. Kazuko was born January 1, 1929 in Osaka, Japan to Risaburo and Hatsu Tanaka.  Kazuko was a strong woman whose early life wasn't easy, but she came to the United States and made a life for herself. She was married to the late Jack Peterson whom she met after she moved to Albuquerque. Kazuko worked as a saleswoman at American Furniture for many years, and several times made "top sales woman."

Kazuko took great pride in her nieces and nephews and had much affection for her great nieces and nephews.  She loved to cook for people and her food was comfort food. She loved her house on Ponderosa and took great care of it; her garden was kept up perfectly, the humming birds were always around because she never moved the feeder, and the grass was always green and cut short.  Kazuko left behind many treasures; she liked to make things for her family--stuffed bunnies, framed puzzles, Raggedy Anne dolls, and gorgeous colored pencil drawings. We all have a piece of her in our homes and close to our hearts and are grateful to have had her in our lives for so long.

Kazuko is survived by her sister, Akiko; her nieces and nephew, Susana Beck, JoAnn Smith, Carol Graebel, Shirley Lee and Mike Santistevan; her caretaker,  Shanna Iversen;  her  great nieces and nephews, Stacy Ledford and family,  Joel Smith and family, Lauren Smith and family, Christianne and Giselle Santistevan; and special family members, Rockie Racz and Joann Pacheco. Kazuko was preceded in death by her father, Risaburo; her mother, Hatsu; her brother, Kinichi; and her brother, Teruo. Kazuko's older sister Shizuko, whom she was very close with, passed away only two days later. A private, family graveside service will be held at Sunset Memorial Park. While flowers are appreciated, the family requests that a donation be made in Kazuko's name toward The Animal Humane Society, 615 Virginia St SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Please visit our online guestbook for Kazuko at www.FrenchFunerals.com.