Alice Chiyeko Hatasaki

Alice Chiyeko Hatasaki, 91, of Springdale, Ark., passed peacefully August 21, 2020. Born June 18, 1929, in San Jose, Calif., to Katsuzo and Sumi Uchiyama, Alice was the fifth of seven children. During WWII (1943-46), she and her family (American citizens) were incarcerated in a Japanese Internment Camp at Poston, Ariz., while two brothers served in the US Army. After internment, her family relocated to Mountain View, Calif. She graduated from Mountain View High School in 1947. Following graduation, she enrolled in the Model Fashion School where she learned to sew and design ladies apparel. Alice married James Keiji Hatasaki on September 28, 1952, and resided in San Jose, Calif. They had four children. In 1961, she left the security of their Japanese family and community and moved to Springdale to support her husband's work as a chicken sexer. She was a homemaker very involved in her children's lives. One year alone, she served as a Girl Scout Brownie leader and Cadette leader, Boy Scout den mother, and served in the Elmdale Elementary PTA. She was a mentor to many young Japanese families who found seasonal work in the chicken industries and occasionally helped young children to read and speak English. She had a passion for sewing and used her skills late at night to sew garments. It didn't take long for others to recognize her talent. She became known throughout Springdale's schools as she made band jackets, cheerleading and twirler uniforms, homecoming and prom dresses. She did alterations for area businesses and individuals in the community. For leisure, Alice loved to bowl. She participated in various leagues at Springdale Lanes and collected many trophies over the years. She is preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her children, Marlene (Herb) Townsend of Claremore, Okla.; Janice (Walter) Nishimoto of Santa Clara, Calif.; Laura (Jim) Wieland of Springdale, Ark.; Grant (Donna) Hatasaki of Morgan Hill, Calif.; and grandchildren, Michelle Townsend-Brown, Dru Townsend, Michael Wieland, Jennifer Wieland-Batchelor, Kurt Townsend, Joe Hatasaki, Allison Hataski-Smith, Steven Nishimoto, Sarah Nishimoto; nine great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, and nephews. Alice, a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, was dearly loved by her family and friends. Her smile, humor, spunk will be deeply missed. Services/Interment of ashes will be held in California at a later date. Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Ark., 72762 or Young Life, 505 Grey Ghost Ct., Morgan Hill, CA, 95037.