Lea Mizuta

Lea Mizuta March 10, 1952 – May 3, 2016 – Contributed photo

Lea was born in Hawaii and loved the islands, sailing, warm weather, friends, family, travel, dancing, laughing, music and sharing food. She loved using her hands, especially woodworking, cooking, gardening, healing touch and Hula. She was a deeply spiritual person and a seeker all her life.

Lea loved warm weather so she could wear as few clothes as possible, and feel the air, sun, earth and sea on her skin. She enjoyed living close to the earth and enjoying all the bounty that came from the earth. Recently her new project was harvesting wild passion fruit and making a syrup she sold at the local farmer’s market.

Lea went to the University of Hawaii and started nurse’s training but soon disagreed with traditional western medicine, and spent her life learning about holistic health and natural healing. She had an apprenticeship in cabinetry and woodworking. She was a lifetime sailor and her travels included sailing from Hawaii across the Pacific to Tahiti, Easter Island, through the Panama Canal and arriving in NYC in time for the tall ships centennial celebration in New York City. Lea, true to her nature, was marching in that l976 parade, hula skirt and all.

In Hawaii she met Jerry Black and together they sailed and ultimately moved to Friday Harbor where she lived between l983 – 1994. Their son Eli was born and Lea worked from home. Many friends remember seeking her out in the early morning for her warm whole wheat tortillas or homemade bread. She would open her trunk and there were baskets of warm goodies. You had to be early because she quickly sold out. Lea and Jerry started San Juan Salsa at home on Scottie’s Acre, where it went from a cottage industry of delicious salsa to the shelf of Kings market. It was Lea’s robust energy, smile and outgoing personality that helped make the business a success, one person at a time.

Lea returned to Hawaii in 1994 and lived the rest of her life where she felt most at home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Tuble, and was a devoted caretaker to them at the end of their lives. Lea is survived by her husband, Stephen Gould of Hawaii, and her son Eli Black-Mizuta of Seattle.

Lea leaves many friends all over the world. She will be remembered for her many talents, her beauty, grace and sense of adventure. Lea lived every minute, right up to her last. Her last day included celebrating her anniversary with her husband, having a great day walking on beaches, eating a fabulous meal, and relaxing with friends. She left in the blink of an eye, happy and complete. Bless you on your new adventure Lea!

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