Hiroko Takenaga

     Hiroko Takenaga, 82, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024 in Durham, NC with her sons by her side.

     She was born on June 26,1941 in Glendale, CA to Katsuto Nakagawa and Kimiko Ozawa.  She had two younger sisters: Setsuko and Kumi.  She grew up in East Los Angeles, but spent four years in Utah during the War.   She graduated from Garfield High School in 1959 and then went on to study elementary education at California State University, Los Angeles.  She graduated in 1965 and started teaching.  She married Fred Takenaga on September 26, 1964.  Her son, Phillip Yasuki Takenaga, was born on February 4, 1969.   They eventually settled in Anaheim, CA where her son Ryan Katsuto Takenaga was born on September 5, 1972.    She enjoyed being a mom and eventually a grandmother. 

     Hiroko loved her family deeply.  She cherished every time she could see her sons and their families.   She enjoyed visits from her grandkids and looked forward to going to Disneyland every time they came to visit.   She moved to Durham, NC in 2021 to be closer to her family and was thankful to be able to see her family more regularly.   She also loved visiting with her sisters Setsuko and Kumi when she lived in CA.  

     Hiroko loved to travel, especially to Japan.  She was known for her gentle nature, her patience and kindness, and her sweet disposition.  She never missed a birthday, anniversary, Father’s or Mother’s Day and was often early with her cards.  

     Most important to her was Jesus.  She had a deep love for Jesus and took refuge in Him throughout her life.  She loved reading the Bible and spent much time memorizing favorite verses.  She knew this was not her only life and looked forward to the day when she would be in the presence of Jesus.

     Hiroko is survived by her sons Phillip and his kids Kai Phillip and Malia Kathran, and Ryan and his wife Nancy Ann Takenaga and their kids Dylan Ryan, Sophia Grace, and Elizabeth Ann; her former husband Fred Hideharu Takenaga; her sisters Setsuko (Susan) Akahoshi and Kumi (Diane) Nakagawa.  She is preceded in death by her parents Katsuto and Kimiko Nakagawa.

     A Memorial Service to celebrate Hiroko’s life will be held at Springs of Life Bible Church, 5301 Guess Rd., Durham, NC 27712 on Friday, May 10^th at 10am.