Caldwell - Michiko Maeda Takasugi, was born on January 8, 1932, in Kurashiki, Japan to Yoshifumi and Akiko Maeda. She was the oldest of eight children, and the family endured the hardships brought on by World War II. There were bombings and shortages of food and the essentials of daily living which instilled in her a life-long value of frugality. Michiko met her future husband Masaji (Max), who was serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After being stationed on the Korean mainland, he was transferred to Tokyo to serve as an interpreter. After several dates and three marriage proposals, she finally agreed to marry. Max and Michiko were married in a Buddhist temple and later at the American Embassy on October 15, 1953. They lived in Tokyo until June of 1954 when they left for Seattle, Washington.

After Max's discharge from the army, they settled in Tremonton, Utah, where he and his brothers operated the family farm. Michiko, who was raised in the city, was not used to farm life, however, she adapted and worked hard in the fields. During this time, they started their family with the addition of three children, Ronald, Dennis, and Katherine. In 1960, Max moved the family to a farm in Caldwell, Idaho. There, the family grew with the addition of James and JoAnn. In the early 1970's, Michiko became a naturalized US citizen.

Michiko kept aspects of the Japanese culture alive in the household through traditional Japanese clothing, a collection of traditional wooden Japanese (kokeshi) dolls and Japanese games. Michiko was an excellent cook and very meticulous in her presentation of food which was beautiful to behold. She made delicious Japanese-Asian and American meals for special celebrations and the holidays. Michiko had a sweet tooth and there were always delicious cakes, cookies, fruit pies, and home-made caramels, toffee, and peanut brittle for her family to enjoy. As a result of her culinary skills, her children grew to be excellent cooks and enjoyed this intimate connection with her.

Among her favorite activities was tending large vegetable and flower gardens. There was always a large bounty of vegetables and fruits which were later preserved by canning and freezing. Michiko's family enjoyed her beautiful flowers which bloomed throughout the spring, summer, and fall. She enjoyed trips to the mountains and often searched for her favorite matsutake mushrooms as she hiked the trails of the Sawtooth mountains on family trips. Michiko also loved to travel. She and Max made many trips to California, New York, Hawaii, and Japan. Michiko loved her children and grandchildren and doted on them. She sent special treats during holidays and saved baby clothes from her own kids to be used by her grandkids. She always tried to have toys and treats around for the grandkids' visits. Michiko was the ultimate hostess - she made visitors feel welcome by serving tea or crackers and never received a gift without reciprocating. All in the family have fond childhood memories thanks to the wonderful mother that Michiko was. We will forever have a special place in our hearts and will miss you.

Max predeceased Michiko. She is survived by her children and their spouses Ronald and Alex, Dennis and Donna, Katherine and Donald, James and Karen, and JoAnn and Brian, and her grandchildren Alan, Andrew, and Gabriel. The family would like to thank all of the caregivers who cared for Michiko, and in particular recognize those who comforted her through her journey, most recently, Tera, Lynne, Jessica, Joni, Stephanie and Heather, and for many years, Leah, Dawn, and in particular Ashley. They became her friends, Ashley like a daughter, and volunteer Hisashi, a friend whose visits revived the Japanese culture for Michiko. She would thank them all with an "Arigatou gozaimasu." The family are grateful to the care agencies and Treasure Valley Hospice for their excellent support and in particular, nurse case manager Ken for his compassionate care. A private memorial service will be held to celebrate Michiko's life. We encourage family and friends to donate to Alzheimer's research in lieu of sending flowers and gifts. Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation (https://www.alzheimersprevention.org/ ) or the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/). Condolences may be shared with the family at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com