Skip to main content

In Loving Memory

Taiko Fujinami


1927•2026

Photograph of Taiko Fujinami
Choose an arrangement Write a message

Listen

Recording of the Obituary

Obituary

Taiko “Terry” Fujinami

Taiko (Kawaguchi) Fujinami, 99, passed away June 25, 2026. She was born January 6, 1927 to Taiji Kawaguchi and Tochi Tsuboi at Terminal Island, California. As a young girl, Taiko’s family put their belongings on a train, and relocated to Utah at the beginning of WWII.

Taiko married the love of her life, Mitsuru Fujinami, September 19, 1948. They settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. They had two sons, Robert and Michael. Taiko worked for Brown Floral for several years. She then graduated from Stevens-Henager College and worked as a bookkeeper for Western General Insurance. She also was very active in the Buddhist Temple. Taiko enjoyed her granddaughters. Her fondest memories were of them sleeping over Thanksgiving night and going to a children’s movie with grandma and grandpa the day after.

Taiko is survived by a brother Kouki Kawaguchi, sons Robert (Christie) Fujinami of Salt Lake City, Michael (Jane) Fujinami of Murray, two granddaughters Christi (Kevan) Donley of Sandy, Ashley (Sean) Handy of Wisconsin, and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Mitsuru, brothers Mike and Henry Kawaguchi, and sister Yoshiko Kaneko.

A private family get together will be planned at a later date per her wishes.

Send flowers for Taiko  ·  The Rose Shop delivers them to the service, free of charge.

Tributes

I am so sorry and sad to learn of the passing of Terry. She was such a kind, sweet lady and had a very subtle sense of humor. She and Mits were always so nice to me, and I remember especially one time when I went to a church conference with them. They wanted to save a seat on the plane for me next to them so they told the flight attendant and others who wanted to sit there that they were saving it for their daughter… Which was me.

I remember all the times that we would get together with the other BWA ladies from the Buddhist temple. She would always bring a delicious dish, and we all would enjoy each other‘s company for hours. We had some great times together and I will always cherish and remember her and those memories. Even though I haven’t seen her for years, I have missed her, but will savor all the memories and the great times we had together.

Brenda Koga
Guestbook

Share a memory of Taiko Fujinami

A few kind words can mean a great deal to the family in the days ahead.

Sign the Guestbook