In Loving Memory of Joan Kuniko Ota Kawase
(June 5, 1940–November 19, 2023)

We celebrate the life of Joan Kuniko Ota Kawase, a remarkable woman whose life journey touched the hearts of many. Born in 1940, Joan's story is one of resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to family, education, and community.

Joan's early years were shaped by her family's relocation from incarceration in Poston, AZ, to farming in Huntington Beach, CA. During her time at Huntington Beach High School, she showcased her leadership skills as Class Treasurer, Softball Captain, President of the Honor Scholarship Society, Girls Athletic Association President, and a member of the school chorus that sang at the Disneyland Opening.

Her pursuit of education led her to UCLA, where she majored in Education. There, Joan became a Bruin Belle, a Wings member (a women's auxiliary to Air Force ROTC), took flying lessons, and proudly served as an Orange County Princess in the Nisei Week Parade. Notably, she became a founding charter member of the Theta Kappa Phi Sorority at UCLA, breaking barriers for Japanese American women excluded from national sororities.

In 1962, Joan married Frank Kawase, and they moved to Boston, MA. She transferred from UCLA to Boston University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. The Kawase family eventually settled in Brea, CA, where Joan embraced her role as a devoted mother to four children, nine grandchildren, and, in October 2023, a great-granddaughter.

Joan's passion for education and culture was evident throughout her life. She founded The City of Brea Tiny Tots Preschool Program and initiated the Brea Summer Day Camp. Her dedicated 29-year teaching career at St. Anthony Mary Claret Parish School left an indelible mark on countless hearts and minds.

In addition to her professional contributions, Joan was actively involved in community service. She played a key role in building senior housing through the Brea Rotary, volunteered at BreaFest and the Brea Arts and Craft Show, and served as a Girl Scout leader. She was currently on the Brea Cultural Arts Committee where she advocated for community needs, interests, and participation in the arts. Her faith was strong and her commitment extended to St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, where she served on the parish council, parish choir, and currently welcomed parishioners as a Sunday mass greeter.

Joan's love of service extended to various organizations, including the Nanka Kanagawa Kenjinkai, So-Phis, JACL SELANOCO, and Rotary. Always eager to broaden her horizons, Joan and her husband embarked on extensive travels, exploring Europe, Asia, Mexico, Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, and the United States.

Beyond her adventures, Joan cherished time spent playing bridge, engaging in family activities, and nurturing her many friendships. Her legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

A celebration of Joan's life will be held on Friday, January 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Mary Claret Church Hall, 1450 E La Palma, Anaheim, CA. Please RSVP: JoansCelebrationofLife@gmail.com .  A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 585 S Walnut Ave. Brea, CA. Following the funeral mass, Joan will be laid to rest at a private burial at Calvary Cemetery in Los Angeles.