Toshiko Tahara Kitano of Long Beach passed away on October 7, 2013 at the age of 87. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Roy Kitano; her daughter Judi Kitano (Mike Yogi); her grandchildren Katherine, Matthew and Daniel Yogi; her sister, Sachiko Suzuki, her brother Masayoshi George Tahara; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sons John Kitano and James Kitano.

Born in Denver, Colorado, and raised in Los Angeles, Toshiko was a high school athlete and good student whose educational plans were disrupted by World War II. After her children reached school age, Toshiko went to college and graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills with a degree in English and completed her master's degree at Cal State Long Beach. For many years she ran the office for her husband Roy's retail nursery business. She also cared for her grandchildren and kept up with friends and relatives. Later in life Toshiko was a selfless caregiver to each of her sons.

Toshiko was outspoken, warm, funny and generous. She was a voracious reader, an avid theater patron, a meticulous investor, a loyal sports fan and a lifelong gambler. She will be terribly missed by her family and friends.

A funeral service for Toshiko will be held on Friday, October 25 at Gardena Valley Baptist Church at 11 a.m. With heartfelt thanks, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the American Stroke Association in memory of Toshiko Kitano (for which a memorial page has been established on their website).