Fumiko Okawa Sarabia, age 77 of Corpus Christi, Texas, died on December 19, 2023 in Abilene, Texas. She was born in Shizuoka-ken, Japan to Pongchun Kaye and Sumie Okawa on November 15, 1946. In Japan, Fumiko attended Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo, studying English and competing on the school's swim team. However, in 1968, she met the love of her life, Pablo Sarabia Jr., while he was on leave from serving in Vietnam. Fumiko bravely left her birth country the next year and came to the United States to marry Pablo on September 13, 1969 in Kingsvile, Texas. After Pablo left active military duty, Fumiko and he settled in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1970. In order to finish her bachelor's degree, she commuted by bus to Texas A&I in Kingsville and earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a specialization in English by 1972. At that time, she received her Texas Provisional Elementary Teaching Certificate for Life but continued her education at Texas A&I. Fumiko graduated in 1974 with a Master of Science in Art and a minor in Education. Soon after, she started working for the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) as a Title I Reading Teacher for Grades 3 through 5 at Los Encinos Elementary School. In 1977, Fumiko moved to Lamar Elementary, teaching Grades 1 through 5. In 1995, she was recognized as the CCISD's Teacher of the Year. Subsequently, she continued at Lamar Elementary as the school's technology advisor for all grades until her retirement in 2002. During Fumiko's time as part of CCISD, she tutored and mentored many, while also serving as a volunteer at First Baptist Church. Fumiko accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church on May 6, 2001. After retirement, she and Pablo spent their remaining years traveling, often riding on a motorcycle, and being together. Fumiko enjoyed painting ceramics at the Naval Air Station and learning to belly dance with her friends. She also delighted in spending time with her son, David, his wife, Sylvia, and her three granddaughters (Ariela, Olivia, and Clara). In 2021, Fumiko moved to Abilene, Texas to be closer to them. She enjoyed attending school performances of her granddaughters and celebrating other special occasions with her family until her passing. Fumiko Okawa Sarabia was preceded in death by her parents, Pongchun Kaye and Sumie Okawa, and her husband of 51 years, Pablo Sarabia, Jr. Fumiko Okawa Sarabia is survived by one son David (Sylvia) Sarabia and her three granddaughters, Ariela, Olivia, and Clara. A memorial service will be held at 9:30 AM on January 5, 2024 at North's Funeral Home in Abilene, Texas,. Please send any flowers to North's Funeral Home at 242 Orange St, Abilene, TX 79601. The family of Fumiko Okawa Sarabia wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Hendrick's Hospice Care for making her passing as peaceful as possible. Services entrusted to North's Funeral Home, online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com.