Faye Naomi Komagata, wife of Bishop Shugen Komagata, passed away on November 5, 2018 at age 72. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Soto Mission of Hawaii,1708 Nuuanu Avenue. Visitation: 9:00 a.m.; Funeral: 10:30 am. Born and raised in Honolulu, she was a devout Buddhist who participated in all temple activities, including Saturday and Sunday School. At age 15, she moved to L.A. with her family, graduating from Belmont High and later UCLA. Faye was actively involved with the L.A. Zenshuji Soto Mission Betsuin, serving as Sunday School teacher and the Young Buddhist Association's advisor. Faye married Shugen Komagata in L.A. in 1970. During their 48 years of marriage, she served as Jizoku (Advisor to the United Hawaii Soto-Shu Women's Association) including the last 10 years as president of the Advisory Board. Faye will be remembered as a "modern" woman who implemented many fresh ideas, activities, and projects at the Soto Zen temples statewide. In addition to temple life, Faye was extremely active in the community. Affectionately known by her students as "Mrs. K," Faye was one of Hawaii's pioneer instructors of the Kumon Math & Reading Program. In her 30 year career, Mrs. K was a nationally recognized instructor for her groundbreaking work and strong commitment to helping Hawaii's youth. Faye's pioneering efforts also extended to music. Known as the "Mother of Taiko in Hawaii," she founded Hawaii Matsuri Taiko in 1984, the first ensemble Japanese drum group of its kind in the state. For 34 years, she shared her love of taiko with hundreds of students, and was instrumental in starting taiko groups in Kona, Hilo, Maui, Molokai, Kauai, Waipahu, Aiea, and Honolulu. She is survived by her husband, Bishop Shugen Komagata; two sons, Daishu (Irina) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Rev. Shuji (Jaymie) of Aiea; four grandchildren and mother Ethel Watanabe; brothers: Roy Watanabe, Michael (Janet) Watanabe and Clyde (Robyn) Watanabe.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
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