Stacia Ellen Kato

January 10, 1947 - September 7, 2022

After battling Parkinson’s Disease for the past 10 years, Stacy suffered a severe stroke at the end of August. A cancer survivor and a fighter, she passed away peacefully with friends and family constantly at her beside.

Stacy was born in Sacramento, California and enjoyed a rich childhood. She was the daughter of Takeshi Kato and Florence (Kodama) Kato. She is survived by two brothers, Brent (Dana) and Larry, niece, Lauren Kato Peterson (Derek), nephew, Joel Kato, grandnephew, Ryan Peterson, grandniece, Amaya Peterson and cat, Tomo.

She graduated from San Jose State, majoring in Art History and Cal with a Master’s degree in Library Science. She started her library career with the Bechtel Corporation and later enjoyed a long career with the San Francisco Public Library. Although she lived most of her life in San Francisco, Stacy maintained close contact with friends and family in Sacramento. After her Parkinson’s diagnosis, she returned to live in Sacramento as the hills of San Francisco became too difficult for a once avid walker.

Stacy loved San Francisco and loved introducing people to all it had to offer. Not just the newest places, but those steeped in the history of old SF. She delighted in showing someone the hole in the wall restaurant or bar or a hidden stairway. She loved entertaining and hosting her friends.

She was an athlete and sportswoman, running marathons, the Dipsea and Bay to Breakers; biking in Europe and Mexico and tennis with her friends at the Golden Gateway Tennis Club. She was a Giants fan attending Spring training and many games. An international fisherwoman, with her father, she caught Bonefish on Christmas Island and Tarpon in Costa Rica. Even as Parkinson’s diminished her physical capacity, she fought it by taking up boxing and rekindling her love of dancing to classic soul music. She loved traveling all across the world. From safaris in Africa and boating and biking in Europe to teaching English in Japan, Stacy made lifelong friends throughout her adventures.

Through all of her interests and activities, her motivating interest was to connect with those she met and share her enjoyment of the world and life.

No services are planned but please take a moment, say a prayer, light a candle or raise a glass in her memory. If you would like to make a contribution in her honor, please consider a charitable organization you think she would favor.