SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kazuko Uchida Pettigrew, formerly of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015 at The Pines Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Glens Falls, NY. She was 92. She resided at the Stonequist Apts. and on George St. for many years.
Born in Japan on June 24, 1923, she was the daughter of Tokitoro and Takako (Sakamoto) Uchida, and was predeceased by her husband, John Phillips Pettigrew in 1980 and her daughter, Nina Hikari Pettigrew Martino in 2014.
She is survived by three daughters: Elaine (Tim) Hurley of Galway, NY, Ingrid (Ken) Keys, of Johnson City, TN, and Bethany (Joe) Maglione of Glens Falls. Also, “Grandma Kazuko” leaves six loving grandchildren: Dustin Gold of Nashville, TN, Tomiko Gold of Rockville, MD, Mark Maglione of Glens Falls, Michelle Maglione Kovall (Mike) of Saugerties, John James Martino and Juliet Martino of Saratoga.
Throughout her life, Kazuko possessed a great love for the arts and a particular devotion to the theater, and was always grateful for the opportunities that America provided her. She was an accomplished painter and fashion designer. At age 19 in Tokyo, in her native Japan, at a time when women were not encouraged to become artists, Kazuko studied fashion design at the prestigious Masu Kate Fashion School, as well as attending the University College of Art. After World War II, she worked as a clerk at an American Air Force library, as a way of helping her to speak English. Here she met her future husband, John, and moved to the United States in 1952.
In her first US city of residence in CA, Kazuko received her first formal art training at Sacramento Junior College, studying under renowned artist Wayne Thiebaud. Upon moving to New Haven, CT, she attended the Paier School of Art in Hamden, studying oil and water color painting, as well as fashion illustration and design. Later, she would also attend The Art Students League in NYC.
Moving to her husband’s hometown of Saratoga in 1965, Kazuko eventually worked as a dresser and costume seamstress for the NYC Ballet and the NYC Opera at SPAC, and did similar work for the Empire State Youth Theater Institute in Albany. This experience led to further costume work, this time in NYC for two of the city’s best designer companies: Brooks-Van Horn Costumes and Barbara Matera. She was very proud of the fact that her work contributed to such Broadway productions as Sweeney Todd, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I, and Evita, as well as the 1982 movie version of Annie.
Having been asked by the Saratoga Historical Society to work on their clothing collection in 1984, Kazuko became a member of its Costume Committee, which led to a long-time relationship with the Society as a volunteer. Her volunteerism and membership in organizations also included Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, Saratoga Co. Arts Council, SPAC Usher, Homemade Theater Usher, Friends of the Musical Arts, Katrina Trask Garden Club, Friends of Skidmore Theater, Adirondack Choral Society, National Museum of Dance, The Friends of Saratoga Library, The Ballet Regent School, and The Friends of Musical Arts at the Bethesda Episcopal Church.
Always active, there was never a moment of pause in Kazuko’s life. By way of taxi, bus, walking, or a ride in a friend’s car, she would get to the event marked on her busy calendar: SPAC concerts and ballets, Skidmore Theater productions, art exhibits, concerts, recitals, dance performances and “out of town” events in Troy, Albany, Schenectady, Schuylerville, Cambridge, Adirondacks, VT, MA, and NYC.
Kazuko also had a long-term relationship with Skidmore College. As a parent of alumnae, she herself became a part-time student, auditing classes in dance, music, theater and philosophy from 1990 to 2008, and also attended the Mature Adults Program. At various times over the years she also worked as a Language Assistant for the Self-Instructional Program, tutoring students in the Japanese language.
Kazuko became a United States citizen in Dec. 1968. She loved America, loved life, and lived each moment to its fullest. Kazuko was so humble, a one-of-a-kind, very special and amazing woman and mother.
Her family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Harold Card, Dr. Mark Bauman, Dr. John Cetner, and the entire staff at The Pines for their heartfelt care given to Kazuko over the years.
To honor Kazuko’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. Interment and Memorial will be private.
Donations in memory of Kazuko Pettigrew may be made to her beloved Skidmore College Theater Department, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373).
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
