Acosta, Sumiko

Sumiko Acosta, 58, was a loving wife, caregiver, mother, sister, cousin, and friend. She left this world on May 13, 2022. Sumiko was born in Japan on August 14, 1964. Sumiko was raised in Shinjyo, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa

Prefecture. Her mother's name was Miyo and her father's name was Tanemori Suzuki. Living in

Kawasaki City, she has two older sisters, Eiko, Mieko, and one younger sister, Nana.

After graduating from high school Sumiko followed her dreams to become a dancer and PE teacher. She was classically trained in ballet, jazz, and Salsa. As fate would have it, Sumiko studied at Jojo Smith's Japan dance academy where she met and later married Jojo, her first husband. Sumiko loved her huge extended, multicultural American family. Sumiko was a feisty lifelong learner who taught herself to speak English. Over the past 30-plus years since she landed in New York, Sumiko has lived in Harlem, Queens, and

the Bronx.

Sumiko built an amazing life in NYC using her many skills and talents. Among her diverse careers included - Jazz and Salsa dance teacher, Wall Street accountant, bookkeeper, office manager, restaurant host, vegetarian chef, event planner, and housekeeper. Sumiko was a very warm-hearted, independent, and honorable person. Although she loved city life, Sumiko was a nature girl at heart. She enjoyed the tranquil seashores and peaceful mountains and hiking trails of

the surrounding areas.

Sumiko always said that giving birth to her only son, Rocky J. Smith was her

greatest achievement. But Sumiko was also extremely proud of achieving her US citizenship. Her serious medical issues in recent years were faced with a smile and bubbly personality. Sumiko's fierce determination helped her to survive cancer and recover from a marital divorce. Thankfully, she was able to dance once more.

Happily, Sumiko found love again with her husband, Tony Acosta, whose family warmly embraced her. Tony and Sumiko loved to travel, dance, and enjoy life to the fullest. Sumiko brightened the lives of many. Family and friends grieve in disbelief that she is gone. A private cremation was held on Thursday, May 19, 2022.

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