Chieko Takaki passed away at the age of 88 on June 25, 2024.  She was born on September 15, 1935 in Yatsushiro-shi, Japan to Setsu and Kiichi Iwami, the eldest of 6 siblings.  She is survived by her children: Richard (Donna), Don (Leta), and Katherine; as well as her step-children with Kenny: Michael (Nancy), Frank (Cindy), and Dorothy Kunihiro (Terry) and her many grandchildren:  She is also survived by her siblings and many nieces and nephews in Japan.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny Takaki, and her daughter, Arlene Ching.

Chieko married Kenny Takaki at the age of 24 and moved to the US soon afterwards.  They resided in Los Angeles where they raised their many children.  She worked as a seamstress and helped with a boarding house while also volunteering for multiple veteran, school, and club related events.  Chieko and Kenny were actively involved in many Veteran's groups such as the DAV and VFW.  She was recognized in 1983 as a Woman of the Year for her service to the Nisei VFW.  They also loved to travel and made many longtime friendships over the years.  They were avid dancers and took ballroom dancing lessons.  Chieko continued to dance and it remained one of the few activities she enjoyed through her battle with dementia later in life.

Chieko loved to feed everyone and doted on her grandchildren.  She will be remembered as an energetic mother and grandmother always on the go who had an infectious laugh and was full of life.

A private family memorial service will be held at Fukui Mortuary.  She will be laid to rest at Angelus Rosedale Cemetery in Los Angeles.