Memories of Mrs. Sallie Soon Ja Shitara | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Mrs. Sallie Soon Ja Shitara

Long Beach, CA, USA

June 7, 1960 - March 13, 2021

Jun 7, 1960 - Mar 13, 2021

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Krista Knapil

We met Sallie 30 years ago, when she replaced me as 2nd grade teacher at LBBES. In the following years we worked together, ate together, vacationed together, even spent some birthdays and holidays together. We taught each other’s kids, hung out at Disneyland, and met for nights out at the movies, and Bible study. She was that friend who always remembers your birthday, reminds you of fun/funny memories, and tells you “like it is.” Her friendship can never be replaced, and those of us that are blessed to have known her know that, full well. Her love for Jesus and her family is our example to follow. As my granddaughter says to me, I will say to you, dear Sallie, “Bye, bye. See you soon.”

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Linda Yamaguchi

Veronica Bustinza

Our most sincere condolences to all of Sallie's family from the Bustinza's. May God bring the strength and comfort to your hearts. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to know her. We met in 2018 when I started working at Los Altos Grace and instantly became friends. She was very easy to talk to, caring, loving, and funny. She was one of those people who you meet and feel as though you've known them forever. In the Summer of 2019, we got to work closely together. I have fond memories of her and cherish the times we got to share.

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Len Montgomery

Dear Tom, Jessica and Gracie, I’m so sorry for your loss of your dear Sallie. She had so much power and love and kindness packed into her tiny frame. She always made me laugh, and she didn’t pull any punches, either. I will miss her. God bless all of you.

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Jamie Thomas

Mrs. Shitara will always be remembered by my family as having such amazing energy and enthusiasm for life and teaching young students at Los Altos Grace. Thank you always for your commitment, zest for life and how you exuded your love for the Lord by your heartfelt actions. You will be deeply missed by all. Paige loved her time with you over the years. Elliott sadly missed out a little bit with COVID but they will both always remember you.

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Molly Hulse

I met Mrs. Shitara when my youngest daughter Sophie went through Kinder at Los Altos Grace 2 years ago. However, prior to meeting her, my son had the privilege of having her as a substitute one afternoon prior to that. On the way home from school that particular day, he shared with me Sallie's birth story. He was very much touched by her story and how she seemed to be so strong and determined in spite of it. (After hearing how she was born in a pepper field, I can understand why! ) Mrs. Shitara was a force for sure. I appreciated her ability to say what was on her mind and do it in a way that wasn't offensive. Her love for Jesus and children was absolutely natural and showed through all she did and gave. I had the opportunity to talk with her many times and laugh as well (she had a great laugh). I had the opportunity to ask her about her birth and adoption story in detail since I only heard bits and pieces from my son. What a rich history she had. I shared with her a little about my dad who was born in a prison and lived in orphanges all his childhood and how he too had a love for the Lord. I think that's just one of the many reasons Mrs. Shitara was so relatable - she knew that Jesus loved her - a baby born in a pepper field - Jesus loves every child no matter who they are or what they have done and she shared that love with all the children. We will miss her greatly.

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Linda yamaguchi

Jody Ales

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Molly Hulse

Rhema's Birthday Tea with Sallie and Sophie

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cindy Langsdorf

Linda yamaguchi

Molly Hulse

Shared a heart

Jennifer Mendez

Shared a heart

Jennifer Mendez

Mrs . Shitara always had this way about her that made you feel so warm and loved. I appreciated so much how you took Heaven under your wing when we were new to the school . Such an amazing person .

We will miss you ! XOXO 😘
The Mendez family ❤️

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Linda yamaguchi

Andrea Kim

1991, LB Grace Brethren Elementary

I knew Sallie as Ms. Parrick, when she was my 2nd grade teacher. As an adult, she’s been a friend to my entire family, and known as Sallie (but she’ll always Ms. Parrick to me ❤️).

She introduced my 8 year old self to what are now my favorite things as a 38 year old woman.

To take us through her cultural Korean heritage, through food and art, was truly a treat and a treasure. Who knew how greatly she’d shape my life with those experiences.

I even made my dad promise me he’d take me to S Korea one night on our front porch, after another one of Sallie’s invaluable lessons on other cultures worldwide.

Truly, she inspired all of us children so much, and taught us to go outside of what we know, to experience all the spices of life that this world has to offer.

She always honored her adoptive parents and shared those aspects of her life with us as well, creating acceptance, tolerance, and unconditional love for our peers of all upbringings and familial situations . She loved her parents so much, and I remember meeting her dad! I thought that was soooo cool!

Even though she “pulled my card” (daily!) for talking during class, she was definitely my favorite teacher at Brethren.

One week, my card wasn’t pulled once, and she was so proud of me, and awarded me citizen of the week. Tears were in both of our eyes.

For me to have my most vivid elementary memories from her class, her teachings, her love and passion for educating us, from her class alone, speaks for itself.

We will miss you, Sallie, and are so blissed that you are with the Father.

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Linda yamaguchi

Jody Ales

Micha Jennings

Mrs. Shitara was a guardian angel to my daughter Rhema. When I was concerned about her safety when she first arrived at Los Altos Grace in kindergarten, I prayed for a sign from God that she would be safe. Then, God gave caused me to meet Mrs. Shitara and we became quick friends. I shared my adoption story of my daughter and she shared her own. After that point she watched my daughter like a hawk and gave me reports of ‘playground happenings’ each day. She also encouraged my daughter as an adopted child about how she was doubly loved. As bonded adoptees, Rhema invited Sally to her tea party. But Mrs Shitara mixed up the date and showed up the day after the party in her tea hat and they had a special tea day with just one other friend. I believe it was God’s special design for Mrs. Shitara to be there without the crowd.
She was/is a true treasure from God and will be greatly missed!
Micha Jennings

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Linda yamaguchi

Molly Hulse

Jody Ales

Mary Jane Alviar

Mrs. Shitara always helped me and always loved my sister she was the best and I’m talking for my sister.She always saw me in a different way than others. She was creative and loved God and everyone. I will miss her.
From Michael Alviar

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Jody Ales

Pat Franklin

Sallie married our good friend Tom Shitara.... that’s how we met, but she became a good friend to us as well, all in her own rights. Knowing Sallie, I always felt welcomed in her presence and she was truly interested in and cared about our family. She would come by after work and visit with Felix and I when he was recovering from cancer surgery. She had a heart much bigger than herself. She was upbeat and could make you feel better and always loved and spoke about God. She and I didn’t talk on the phone a lot or go shopping together or things like that, but we were always included in family birthdays, holidays and get togethers during the time when Felix could still travel. Texting was her thing and I remember thinking that I hadn’t heard from Sallie in a while. She recently told me how devastated she was when she learned her cancer had returned. I so hoped and prayed that that wouldn’t happen. After all, I’ve never known anyone who followed as healthy of a lifestyle as she did. I miss you my friend. I love you and I will see you again. Look after Felix for me. 🙏🏻❤️ Love you always, Pat Franklin and family.

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Jody Ales

Jeannie Latendreese

Sallie & go back a very long time. Sallie & I were in same orphanage in Korea. We have known each other since kids. Don’t have much detail as what age or anything.
We spent lot of time together in orphanage.
Sallie’s dad Steve was in the service in Korea and his best buddy at the time was my dad.
Sallie & I were lucky enough to be adopted to U.S. we both came to U.S. in 1972. Four of us spent so much time together in orphanage and in the base.
Steve & my dad use to bring busses on weekends & take orphanage kids to different places in Korea. I am blessed to have known Sallie pretty much all of our lives.
Sallie was so much fun & most of all she was really funny. I loved listening to her when she told a story or anything
May she Rest In Peace & we will meet again.

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Jessica Shitara

Andrea Kim

Linda yamaguchi

Jody Ales

Comments:

Andrea Kim

I’m so glad you had each other ❤️ I’m so glad you had each other ❤️ I’m so glad you had each other ❤️

Ballad Sweeney

I had the pleasure of knowing Sallie as a fellow parent when our kids were in Brethren High School band together and as a teacher for our younger son at Los Altos Grace. To me, she was just the perfect balance of strength and love. She could be spunky, but always with a smile and a purpose. Our son, Liam, is thankful for all he learned about the Bible through playing games with her after school (and for the Hi-Chew candies she liberally distributed!) I am so very thankful for how she pointed each and every one of us to Jesus. Her big, beautiful smile will be missed, but I know heaven is rejoicing.

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Cara Gill

Molly Hulse

Jody Ales

Andrea Witbeck

Sallie was a joy and blessing to everyone she met. She was always bringing me little presents, and she was such an encourager. Her infectious smile, her love for children and especially for teaching them about Jesus were gifts she gave over and over each day. She is deeply missed by the children, parents and staff at Los Altos Grace.

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Cara Gill

Jody Ales

Sonal Chalunkal

Long Beach, CA, USA

Mrs. Shitara was very special to all of us, especially our son Daniel. Making kids comfortable at school was her specialty and she was exceptional in helping to capture precious moments with the kids . We never had to worry about Daniel finishing his lunch. She will be thoroughly missed but will be cherished and loved by all of us. All of us are taking comfort that she is with the Lord almighty and looking down on us with her beautiful smile. .. Sonal & Saby

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Cara Gill

Ingrid Bolanos

This was taken the first time Sallie took me to work out at a gym. We did Zumba together and always had fun. I miss her joyful spirit and spunk. Till we meet again my sweet friend.

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Cara Gill

cindy Langsdorf

Sallie had such a joyful spirit. It was a pleasure to work with her in kindergarten. She always made the children feel loved and safe. Her love of music was infectious. We will never listen to 10,000 Reasons again, without thinking of her fondly. We will miss her terribly but are so glad she is in heaven with the Lord, whom she loved so very much.

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Cara Gill

Molly Hulse

cindy Langsdorf

Delivering May Day baskets..spreading joy

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Cara Gill

Ken Kobel

2003, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA, USA

Celebrating Birthdays Together - Our daughters always shared their birthdays together.

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Marcella Reyes

2020, Long Beach, CA, USA

Mrs. Shitara and Patricia Perez

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Comments:

Marcella Reyes

Mrs. Shitara and Patricia became quick friends when Patricia became a parent/grandparent volunteer at school.... Read more Mrs. Shitara and Patricia became quick friends when Patricia became a parent/grandparent volunteer at school. Even with a language... Read more Mrs. Shitara and Patricia became quick friends when... Read more

Marcella Reyes

2020, Los Altos Grace Schools - Preschool & Elementary, East Stearns Street, Long Beach, CA, USA

Mrs. Shitara and Daniel, Isaac and Jonathan Reyes

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Cara Gill

Comments:

Marcella Reyes

We took this picture March 2020 She holds a special place in our hearts ♥️ They remember all the games she... Read more We took this picture March 2020 She holds a special place in our hearts ♥️ They remember all the games she would play with them... Read more We took this picture March 2020 She holds a special... Read more

Marcella Reyes

We met Mrs. Shitara 2016 at Los Altos Grace. She was such a beautiful person inside and out. So special with the children. My boys memorized books of the Bible and fruit of the spirit because of the songs she’d play for them and Hi Chews rewards. She always sent me pictures of special moments that she was able to catch on her phone. She was so much fun and a joy and honor to be her friend. I am thankful to God for allowing us know her, to share special moments and be her friends. Our sincere condolences to her beautiful family whom she dearly loved. Our prayers that you have peace and find comfort in God and all those beautiful memories she has left with each one of you. God bless you ♥️

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Cara Gill

Veronica Romero

I’m sorry for your lost. Our prayers go out to your family. We pray that you find strength and comfort in God words in this time of pain.

My daughter Sophie remember her kindness during recess time and enjoy her company. She will be missed dearly.

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Cara Gill

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Created with love by Jessica Shitara (Sallie's daughter) and Grace Shitara (Sallie's daughter).

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