Large gatherings have changed with COVID-19, but Life Care Center of Kona resident Sumiko Yamamoto’s family got creative in order to celebrate her 100th birthday on Saturday.
The skilled nursing and rehabilitation center has instituted a no visitor policy since the start of the pandemic to protect it’s residents, but accommodated the request for a modified party to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Yamamoto, adorned in lei and surrounded by flowers and balloons, stayed inside the facility and greeted her family through a glass window.
Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren were able to offer their birthday wishes through small family groups, with no more than 10 at one time at the entrance to the facility.
And in the tradition of local birthday parties, everyone left with a goodie bag, including a bento lunch.
Yamamoto was born Aug. 7, 1920, in Holualoa. She gave birth to six children, three boys and three girls. Her family has since grown to 14 grandchildren 24 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
“Mom didn’t get to finish high school as she had to help her father take care of her siblings,” said her daughter Sandra Taosaka. “She was a hard worker! At 13, she went to work at the Kona Hotel.”
Later when she married, she was a housewife and coffee farmer. When her youngest went to high school, Yamamoto went to work at Sandy’s Drive In and then Kentucky Fried Chicken.
“Happy 100th Birthday to this cutie!! What an accomplishment! It doesn’t surprise me because this lady has always been amazing! She had to quit school at a young age to raise her siblings, she busted her butt and raised kids of her own. She worked and in later years took care of my grandpa when his health was dealing. Anytime we would come over she would gather whatever goodies she had to share and when you left she would always say, “come again!” She embodies the word sacrifice and for her its not even a thought, she just gives and gives. They don’t make good people like her anymore! Love you Gramma Moto!!” said her granddaughter Kristy Yamamoto Zukeran, in a Facebook post.
“She definitely brings joy to many,” said Taosaka. And with her contageous smile, it’s easy to see why.