Tomiyo Kozai was born in Fresno, California to Yojiro and Tome Hayashi.  Being the youngest of 5 children, she felt very special.   Tomiyo was an excellent student throughout her school years.   She graduated Washington High School in 1941 at which time her life as she knew it, changed.

With the outbreak of World War II, Tomiyo and her family were interned at the Gila River Relocation Center in Arizona.  In 1946, she and her family returned to Fresno where she later graduated from sewing school.

On January 20, 1952, she married the love of her life, Toshiaki Kozai whom she met back in 1940 at her sister's and his brother's wedding. Because Tosh was still serving in the army at the time of their marriage, Tomiyo remained with her parents until his discharge later that year.   They then settled in Los Angeles, CA where they raised their four children.

Tomiyo was a "stay at home" mom until the 70's when she decided to get a job.   She held different positions with the Los Angeles Unified School District ending up in the counselors' office at John Marshall High School, retiring in 1990.

Upon retirement, Tomiyo was able to really enjoy life.   Her 7 grandchildren were her pride and joy.   She especially loved preparing their favorite meals, going to their basketball games and other athletic events.   Tomiyo loved walking with friends, traveling with family, gardening and admiring  beautiful flowers.   She discovered she had a passion for yoga which is attributed to her long healthy life.

She was well known for her kindness, warmth, friendliness to others and her beautiful smile.   She was beloved by all she came in contact with and will be remembered fondly.

Tomiyo is survived by her husband of 68 years, Toshiaki, sister Yoneko Shimoide and her children: Gerald (Kathy) Kozai, Kevin (Kathleen) Kozai, Karen (Tadashi) Okumoto, and Julia (Richard) Yoshida.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Michael (Yillian Pei) Okumoto, Kendall (Ross Psyhogios) Kozai, Gina (Scott Talamantes) Kozai, Kyle (Karen Duong) Okumoto, Amanda Yoshida, Kassidy Kozai, and Ryan (Heather Young) Yoshida. Tomiyo is predeceased by her sister Yoshiko (Masaharu) Kozai, brother Masao (Hanako) Hayashi, and brother Shigeo (Kinuko) Hayashi. She is also survived by her many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

The family would like to thank:

Hollywood Buddhist Church for their unwavering support, love, and spiritual guidance provided to the family over the past 60+ years.

Holly Services and the incredible caregivers who cared for Mom over the last 3 years.

Due to COVID-19, funeral service could not be scheduled.