Masae Thompson

MASAE “MIKI” THOMPSON (nee Sugizaki) died December 10, 2017 from natural causes. She was 89. Sixty years ago, Miki married a man she had known for only a short time and left her family, her native land, and its culture, language, and food to travel nearly halfway around the world and start a new life. In the years that followed, she bore five daughters, lost three, and raised two; she sharpened her language and culinary skills, made friends, and adapted to a number of different communities as the family moved 14 times over 40 years. Miki was among the original employees of Saks Fifth Avenue in Beachwood and subsequently worked in sales at Saks stores in Dearborn, MI, Pittsburgh, PA, Beverly Hills, CA, and finally back in Beachwood.

Miki was a resident of Chagrin Falls since 1997, formerly residing in California. She loved bowling, gardening, and being a seamstress. Miki loved dancing and cooking. She will be remembered most as a giving, generous, caring, and selfless woman. Miki loved to take care of everyone and was an amazing cook. She was fun, witty, and had a good sense of humor. Miki will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her husband Craig, her daughters Lee Thompson (husband Paul Appelbaum) and Jane Zagorski (husband Neil); grandsons Andrew Appelbaum (wife Juliette) and Ian Appelbaum; and granddaughter Natalie Zagorski. Surviving in Japan are her sister Mitchiko and brother Takeshi. Miki was preceded in death by her sister Akemi and brothers Tsutomu and Kyoshi. Miki is also survived by her canine companion Koko.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to the Geauga Humane Society (Rescue Village) where Miki volunteered.

Friends are invited to join the family at the house on Saturday, January 20, 2018 from 1-4 PM to remember Miki. Interment was private. Arrangements by THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND.