Shawnna Perkins Sugihara

Shawnna Sugihara entered eternal life on March 2, 2026, at the age of 68. She was born on August 1, 1957, in Boise, Idaho, to William Courtney Perkins and Sharon (Blood) Perkins. She grew up in Layton, Utah, alongside her siblings.

Shawnna graduated from Layton High School in 1975 and continued her education at Weber State College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. She dedicated her career to helping others, working at Job Corps supporting troubled youth. It was there that she met the love of her life, Takahiko Ben Sugihara. They were married on September 11, 1981. Together, Shawnna and Ben raised three children. During Ben’s military service, they lived around the world, making homes in San Diego, CA; Tucson, AZ; Lancaster, CA; Ramstein, Germany; and Marquette, MI. After retirement, they returned to Layton, Utah.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shawnna found joy in service, in spending time with her grandson, and in relaxing with her beloved Hallmark movies.

Shawnna is survived by her children Shawn (Janice) Perkins, Benny (Karlee) Sugihara, and Yukiko Sugihara; her grandchildren Jessica (Richard) Kaleta and Calvin Sugihara; her great-grandchildren Kora and Willow Kaleta; her brother Cory Perkins; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Takahiko Ben Sugihara; her parents, William Courtney Perkins and Sharon (Blood) Perkins; and her sister, Kelly Perkins.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd. Layton, Utah. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects. Following the viewing, an informal celebration of Shawnna’s life will be held at the home of Benny and Karlee Sugihara.

 Shawnna will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.