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Teru Kiyohara, 93, passed away peacefully at her Seattle home on November 20, 2015.   Born in Seattle on May 31, 1922, Teru pursued her B.S. degree at Rockford College in Illinois and post-graduate studies at Western Michigan University. She also attended the Univ. of Wash. before WWII broke out and she was interned at Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho. Teru was the first Japanese American to be hired by Seattle Public Schools as an Occupational Therapist for the Special Education Department.  After retiring in 1985, Teru enjoyed traveling with her husband, Edward, going to plays, symphonies, and art museums, and spending time with her family and friends. Her caring and compassionate heart made her a regular visitor to friends and family in nursing homes and hospitals. Fiercely independent, she was still driving up until a month before she passed.  Teru is survived by three sons, Dean (Trisha), David (Margaret), and Bob (Sharon) Kiyohara along with 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.  Teru is also survived by sister, Chiyo Horiuchi, and many nieces and nephews. At her request, a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation (M/S S-200, P.O. Box 5371, Seattle, 98145), Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (1414 S. Weller St., Seattle, 98144), or Densho, The Japanese American Legacy Project (c/o Tom Ikeda, Executive Director, 1416 S. Jackson St., Seattle, 98144.)


Comments

Teru was a beautiful woman who was an inspiration to me.

DK


I was shocked to see Teru's obituary listed in today's paper. She had sent a donation in memory of Giro Nakagawa, whose services were at NVC on November 21st thru the mail, and here she passed away the day before. I had been seeing her at the Tomo-no-kai dinners once a month but had not seen her the last couple times. Can you let me know if there will be a service for her, as I know several of the girls might be interested in attending.

Louise Kashinp


Mrs. Kiyohara was so kind to me every time I spoke to her. She always greeted me with a warm hug and beautiful smile. She will be missed. Our love and prayers to the family.

Jerry and Patti


What a wonderful, kind, beautiful, and thoughtful person Teru was. We spent many years watching the Seahawks in the Seattle King Dome with she and her husband. We were lucky enough to have a visit and meal with them on Kauai at their favorite 'noodle' place some years ago. 
Bless her, may she rest now in peace.

Diane & John Komen


To me, after my mother (her sister) died, she became my second mother, along with Chiyo. I miss talking to her. Our talks covered all areas of her life, from family to politics. She always ended by saying, "Thank you for calling me" even if she had been the one who called. Her lyrical voice that was so beautiful and reassuring will be missed by many.

Kei


Make a donation to The Co-op Funeral Home of People's Memorial