This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, Cathy Harada.
Mrs. Cathy Yoneko (Umino) Harada, born on September 13, 1948 in Stockton, California, to the late Al and Meri (Okamoto) Umino, passed away at the age of 70 on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 after battling a rare brain disease called Moyamoya. Cathy was beloved by all who knew her and has touched the hearts of many with her kindness, compassion, humor and love.
Cathy grew up in Stockton and graduated from Edison High School, where she participated in numerous activities and clubs such as, the National Honor Society, marching band and synchronized swimming team. After high school she was accepted to San Francisco State University, where she graduated with a major in Psychology and minor in Orthopedically Handicapped, including Cerebral Palsied. There, she also met her beloved husband of 45 years, Ron Harada. Ron and Cathy were happily married on April 13, 1974.
Fulfilling her aspirations, Cathy was a dedicated Special Education Teacher at Whitton School in Oakland, where she left a lasting impact on each of her students’ lives. Every year she would take them on a camping trip to Yosemite and to support the trip, Cathy and her students would craft Christmas ornaments to sell to family, friends and at the school’s fair. After devoting 16 years to her students, Cathy retired and centered the remainder of her life being a loving wife and mother.
Cathy had a huge heart and a larger than life personality. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching SF Giants games, going to concerts with her husband, coaching her daughter’s softball team, cheering on her son’s baseball and soccer games, and baking and decorating the most remarkable Christmas cookies every year.
Left to honor Cathy and remember her love is her husband Ron Harada; daughter Devon (Harada) Costa and her husband Eddie; son Brett Harada; uncle Shim Umino (Carol); mother in law Aiko (Fukuda) Harada (Fred); sister in law Leslie Harada and many other family and friends. The memory of Cathy’s laughter, smile and personality will be deeply missed and will live through all who knew and loved her.
A Celebration of Life service will take place Saturday, July 27th at 1:00 at the Stockton Buddhist Church, 2820 Shimizu Drive Stockton, California.
