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Kitty Kawakami Obituary

Kitty C. Kawakami, 82, Kansas City, MO, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2003, at her home. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, March 27, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Chapel, I435 at Holmes Rd.; burial in Mt. Moriah South Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at the chapel. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Kitty was born November 1, 1920, in Sacramento, CA. She owned and operated "Kitty's" Cafe at 810 1/2 East 31st in Kansas City, MO, from 1951 through 1986. Kitty then went to Paola, KS, to manage a motel until her death. She was an animal lover, especially her beloved cats. She loved traveling abroad. Her hobby was collecting dolls and stuffed animals, of which she had over 2000. She also corresponded in the U.S. and overseas, collecting different kinds of bank bags and had over 10,000. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Paul K. Kawakami. of the home; sons, Alan Kawakami and wife, Debbie, Gerry Kawakami and wife, Thea; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Anne, Barbara, Jeanie and Marian. Kitty was very loved and will be missed dearly by her family and friends. (Arrangements: Mt. Moriah & Freeman Chapel, 816-942-2004)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star from Mar. 24 to Mar. 26, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

Thomas Christopher

March 29, 2003

I am sorry to hear of your loss. I have known Paul for many years and I know she will be missed.

Teri Sorisso (Kawakami)

March 26, 2003

I was Kitty's daughter-in-law for 11 years and truly thereafter. She was an amazing woman of few words. If she said something you had no doubt what she meant, so refreshing. She loved her family and her animals and collected people as if she were threading a pearl necklace. If someone was in need, Kitty was there. She even felt sorry for discarded dolls and cleaned them up, made them clothes and gave them a home. She will be missed. I was blessed to know her. In loving memory, T

Robert & Charlotte Miller

March 26, 2003

Paul and Family, Stopped at Mt Moriah Tues evening to pay respect and sign Kitty's book. Was told that it was a day too early. There is no schedule for extending our sympathy. Charlotte and I think and

speak of you often. Bless you.

Robert Miller

wilma watson

March 25, 2003

Kitty, was a wonderful woman and friend.. Went out of her way to help others. I enjoyed the outdoor barbeques and helping her with flowers at the SkyLine. We will miss you.. Lyn, Wilma and boys

Scott Engel

March 24, 2003

Kitty made me feel like family as I was a young bachelor in North Hyde Park eating at the cafe every morning. Going back and forth on my decision to move away from Kansas City in 82, I'll never forget how Kitty hugged me from behind as I sat at the counter and said "We don't want you to go." God bless you Kitty.



Scott Engel

Josepha Lara-Smith

March 24, 2003

Dear Kitty...I will miss seeing you, and hearing about what you bought on QVC. When I think of my childhood you are a vivid as my Nan. Nan would walk me to kitty's and I would eat and I had to make sure to clean my plate so that I could get a bag of candy for the week. Then as I grew, Teddy and I would come in for french fries... they were 25 cents wow. How could I ever forget all of you Torquoise jewelery and purple nail polish..or how you fell asleep at my mother's under the dryer.. I am glad you were a part of my life. I am overjoyed to know my girls Bailey and Gabby got to know you as I did. I know they are young but Gabby will miss crawling up in your lap. You will be missed and you will always be a part of family and may you rest in heven. And as you would always say yeah yeah..

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