Setsuko Saito

Setsuko Saito was born on February 6, 1930, and passed away of natural causes on January 29, 2022 at home in Ridgeland, SC.  She was the third daughter of Nobu and Shin-Ichiro Saito. Setsuko is pre-deceased by her sisters Takeko and Masako as well as her brother Tatsuo.  She is survived by her nieces Mari Nonaka and Junko Nagaya, her nephew Daichi Saito and her sister-in-law Fumie Saito. In addition, Setsuko leaves behind many friends and the family of General Jacob Edward Smart (USAF retired).

Setsuko was born in Tokyo, Japan. As a young adult in Tokyo, she worked in a government office and as an interpreter for a Japanese television station.  Later, she worked in the household staff of Gen. Smart in Fuchu, Japan from 1961-63 where Gen. Smart was Commander, U.S. Forces, Japan; in Honolulu, Hawaii from 1963-64 where Gen. Smart was Commander, Pacific Air Forces; and to Paris, France where Gen. Smart was Deputy Commander-in-Chief, U.S. European Command in 1964-65. In 1965, Setsuko came to the US and continued her service to Gen. Smart as an assistant, caretaker to his parents, and companion until his death in 2006.

She became a naturalized US citizen on January 8, 1978. In her duties and travels, Setsuko met many politicians, foreign dignitaries, scientists and even a few astronauts, many of whom shaped the second half of the twentieth century. Setsuko was beloved by the extended family of Gen. Smart and her many friends of her adopted homes of Washington DC and Ridgeland SC.

Although Setsuko became a US citizen in 1978 she always carried her Japanese heritage with her with grace and poise. She assisted Gen. Smart in publishing his book “Lowcountry Families in WWII: A Memorial” by drawing and annotating the maps within.

To the many guests that visited the homes she shared with Gen. Smart, she was always ready to welcome, converse, laugh with and provide pleasant lasting memories.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 11:00 am in Ridgeland Cemetery, Ridgeland, SC that will be live streamed in order for friends and family who cannot travel.