Arlene Osato

Arlene Rutsuko Osato was born on October 18, 1936 in Watsonville, California. Arlene, also known as Lou to many, attended local schools and graduated from Watsonville High School and achieved her AA degree from Monterey Peninsula College. A job opportunity with an insurance company had her venture out to San Francisco. While attending a local church, she met her husband, Wallace Osato. They married a short time later on October 4, 1958 at the Westview Presbyterian Church in Watsonville.
Arlene and Wallace had 3 children: Lori, Steve and Shari. Together they raised their children. Arlene had been a homemaker and then started back to work as the children got older, eventually retiring from Granite Construction. Arlene and Wallace traveled to many foreign countries. While taking various tours, they met many new friends along the way.
Arlene was a member of the Westview Presbyterian Church and JACL. She was an amazing wife, mother, daughter and grandma. She was a very compassionate person who would often feed stray cats and neighbors' dogs. She dedicated her life to taking care of her family and her friends in need. She embraced her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer 2 A½ years ago and fought it vigorously, never complaining. She inspired us, as her attitude was amazing. She always had her head up and was smiling. Strangers that met her never forgot her, and she left a positive impression on everyone. Many doctors and nurses hugged her whenever they greeted her. Arlene was a fastidious writer. She would always immediately write a thank you note for anything anyone did for her. It was her trademark, and those that read her notes saved them as her messages touched their hearts.
Arlene was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents Harry and Tomie Sakata, and her mother Florence Ishizuka.
Arlene is survived by her husband, Wallace Osato of Hawaii and her loving children; Lori Pfeiffer of Santa Barbara, Ca., Steve and Song Osato of Port Ludlow, Wa., Shari and Todd Clayton of San Jose, Ca. Arlene is also cherished by her grandchildren; Nikki Pfeiffer, Lindsey Pfeiffer, Jeffrey Clayton, Ashley Clayton, and Lushea Osato. She also leaves behind numerous cousins, brother and sister-in-laws, and many dear friends.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday June 23rd at 2:30 pm at Westview Presbyterian Church 118 First St Watsonville, Ca. 95076. A reception will immediately follow the service in the church gym. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to one of the following: Westview Presbyterian Church, Hospice of Santa Cruz County 940 Disc Dr. Scotts Valley, CA 95066 or Pancreatic Research Fund under the direction of Dr. George Fisher at Stanford Cancer Research 875 Blake Wilber Dr. Palo Alto, CA 94305.
Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of Patrick and Debra Molina Carroll of Ave Maria Memorial Chapel.