Joyce May Saji (Jorgenson) born May 24th of 1954 in Valley City, ND passed away unexpectedly at the age of 69 from complications related to a stroke early morning on Sunday November 5th, 2023, at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN surrounded by family. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; Dorothy and Howard Jorgenson (Frances) her sisters; Harriet Johnson (Jerome) and Judy Anderson (Gordy). 

Joyce was raised in Valley City-wintering in town and summering on the family farm. She adored and admired her parents, sisters, and their families. Their tenacity, strength and resilience became a foundation and cornerstone of her life. She attended college at VCSU and graduated in 1974 where she met and eventually married Tatsuya Saji on February 22nd, 1975. She was massively creative and skilled as a maker. An example of her inherited determination, drive, and resourcefulness throughout her life can be showcased with her wedding-sewing her own wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and baking a gorgeous, tiered wedding cake. 

After their union, they spent a year touring state fairs selling chicken skewers and used that income to spend the following year in Japan. Their adventures continued back in the US when they opened Saji-Ya, one of the original sushi and teppanyaki restaurants of the Twin Cities. (1980) She was also very proud of the time she spent in the airline industry working at Northwest and subsequently Delta airlines. 

She found a lot of purpose in caretaking throughout her life. She continued that by giving birth and raising two children: Stephanie and Jason (Nicole) Saji. Along with her children she is survived by her grandchildren: Maliyah (Nico, great grandson), Ethan, Olivia, Tazuko, Emilia, Emiko, and Taisho. As well as her many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family including friends who she loved and cared for so very much. As she sang in one of her favorite karaoke songs- The Greatest Love of All, she believed and knew that children were her future. They were her pride and joy. Her other loves included her farmland roots, plants, animals, and her many collections 😉. 

Stephanie and Jason welcome all to join in celebrating and remembering her beautiful life. We all know she had plenty of pictures to share! Family and friends are invited to partake in any activity that fits their location or schedule. Remembrance and grieving happen individually-please don’t feel any pressure for attendance. These options are truly optional-we would like you to find your peace, your way. 

• Minnesota. The community room at Overlook Condominiums.
  • Saturday November 11th from 1-5 pm. Food and beverages provided.
  • 1700 Lexington Ave S, Saint Paul, MN 55118. 
  • Please enter through the main door. Call #77 on the intercom for access. 
• North Dakota. Join for any portion of events on Monday November 13th.
  • 2 pm services held at Oliver Nathan funeral home.
    • 251 Central Ave S, Valley City, ND 58072
    • Burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery 
  • 4:30 pm supper at Pizza Corner. Everyone is invited to join and share memories.
    • A pizza buffet and fountain drinks provided.
    • Kids play place open and available. 
  • Stephanie and Jason’s family will be staying at the AmericInn from Nov. 12-Nov. 14
    • 280 Winter Show Rd SW, Valley City, ND 58072 
    • (701) 845-5551

Services have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City, ND.  An online guestbook is available at oliver-nathanchapel.com