Setsue Mayhugh – Elizabeth

Setsue Mayhugh, 89, of Elizabeth, peacefully passed from this life on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in the home that she loved, surrounded by those who loved her. She was born in March 1933, in the town of Chogiti, on the island of Kyushu, Japan, to Sahachi and Tumo Kisu. She met her husband, Allen “Skip” Mayhugh, who was serving in the U.S. Army, and emigrated to America in 1956. Moving to Elizabeth from Forward Township in 1964, she and “Skip” made a good, happy life for seven children. After studying on her own, she became a naturalized citizen in 1977. She loved America and was proud of her citizenship. Sadly, her busy life never allowed her to return to Japan for family visits as she hoped to do. She left behind many relatives and a twin sister. After raising her family, she got involved with Allegheny County’s Domiciliary Care program. She spent more than 30 years providing in-home care for elderly and special needs clients, some who stayed and thrived in her home for more than 10 years. She cared for them as though they were family. She was very intelligent and artistic and was also an expert seamstress. She taught herself how to read and write English and learned to speak the language by watching her favorite westerns, “Gunsmoke” and “The Rifleman.” This brief outline does not begin to do her justice. She will be missed. She is survived by her children, John and James Mayhugh and Cathy Pierce, all of Elizabeth, Jackie Salka of Forward Township, Susie Mayhugh of Tucson, Ariz., and her primary caregiver for the last two years, Toni; also, many grandchildren and relatives she never got to meet from Japan. In addition to her parents and husband/best friend, she was preceded in death by daughter, Liz. As per her wishes, there will be no funeral services. Arrangements by the PAUL E. BEKAVAC FUNERAL HOME, Elizabeth. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com.