Obituary of Sayoko Tebaldi

It is with deep sadness I share that Sayoko Tebaldi (née Kudaka), 82, of Randolph, passed away on January 20, 2021.

Sayoko was born in Okinawa, Japan and moved to the U.S. in 1964. She has lived in Kansas, New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. She managed a convenience store in Md. for 20 years. Though retired by the time she moved to New Jersey to help watch her grandchildren, she worked at the Black River Candy Shoppe in Chester, NJ since they opened their doors 22 years ago up until just a few months ago. Sayoko was known for her very strong work ethic; she always gave 110% to anything she was doing and took great pride in her work. She was a very strong person and a determined mother behind a sweet mask. She was a sweet, generous, and caring woman, who always put others first. To know her was to love her.

Watching sports was one of Sayoko’s favorite pastimes - she was a big Yankees fan. She also enjoyed walks outside and loved the boardwalk at Ocean City, Maryland. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, and found happiness in the simplest pleasures, as long as she was with them. She was quick to smile, and had a infectious laugh.

Succasunna United Methodist Church became dear to her over the past year, as she attended all virtual services since the beginning of quarantine, and many in-person services over the years. 

She is predeceased by her parents, Masa and Toshi Kudaka, and her brothers Masao and Masateru Kudaka.

She is survived by her beloved children; her son, Jeff Tebaldi (MaryAnn) of Erie, PA, her daughter, Terri Humphries (James) of Randolph; her grandchildren Lou Caracci, Brittany Cassettari (Joe), Tony Tebaldi (Brigid), Lydian Humphries, and Samantha Humphries (Juan); and her great-grandchildren Aria, Grace, Lucas, Patrick, Joseph, and Leo; her sister, Katsuko Lee (Ben) and her brother Masaaki Kudaka (Kimie), along with cherished nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID- 19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Succasunna United Methodist Church.