Private memorial services for the late Mrs. Lily Sakaguchi Thibodeaux, 87 year old Fresno, California-born Nisei resident of North Hollywood who peacefully passed away on June 15 were held on June 26 at San Fernando Valley Holiness Church, officiated by Rev. Richard Kuyama of Centenary United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Thibodeaux was a graduate of North Hollywood High, former Manzanar Relocation Camp internee, graduate of University of Pennsylvania class of 1948. Served as a Cancer Research Biologist and Cytogeneticist for the National Academy of Science, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and with the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan from 1949 – 1951. Always interested in self-improvement, Mrs. Thibodeaux later earned a teaching credential from California State University Northridge and X-Ray and Lab Technician Certificates and spent many years working at her sibling's medical office. A self-proclaimed "Yankee Girl", member of AAUW, lover of culture, nature and life, she brought a smile, optimistic attitude, attention and support and an element of fun into all the lives she touched.

Mrs. Thibodeaux was predeceased by her brothers and sister, Obo Sakaguchi, DDS, Chico Sakaguchi, and Chebo Toshitaka Sakaguchi, DDS. She is survived by her children, Andy (Laura) Thibodeaux, Joline (Doug) McQuillian, and Reggie (Amy) Thibodeaux; grandchildren, Alex, Nicole, Ashley, David, Clay and Cameron; siblings, Sanbo Sakaguchi, Bo (Ikuyo) Sakaguchi, and Mary (James) Oda. Also survived by many other relatives.

In lieu of flowers or koden, the family requests that a donation be made to the charity of your choice in the name of Mrs. Lily Sakaguchi Thibodeaux.