Amy Aiko Kawazoe

Amy Aiko Kawazoe died peacefully on March 16, 2023 in Portland, OR, three weeks after being diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. She was 35 years old. Amy was the wife of Daniel Bigelow and mother of Charles Takeru Bigelow, both of Corvallis, OR. She and Dan were expecting a second child, Louis George Bigelow, who was lost in February at the start of her illness.

Amy is survived by her mother Robin (Inada) Kawazoe of Bethesda, MD, father and stepmother Howard and Cheryl Kawazoe of Southern Pines, NC, brother Steven Kawazoe of Bethesda, MD, and a little dog named Maeby. Amy is further remembered by countless aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and friends.

Born and raised in Rockville, MD, Amy graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2009. She most recently lived in Corvallis, OR, having moved from Bozeman, MT with Dan and Charlie in 2022. Prior to living in Bozeman, Amy spent eight years working in the biopharmaceutical industry, residing in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, and Salem, MA, as well as an earlier stint in Corvallis, OR.

Amy found her greatest source of happiness in watching Charlie grow and discover the world. She was a devoted mother who loved reading to him, taking him to the playground and museum, and cooking with him. Apart from spending time with her son, Amy enjoyed traveling, particularly to Europe, fine dining, fashion, playing with her dogs, and attending music and comedy shows. Amy's sharp wit and dry sense of humor remained intact until the end.

A private celebration of Amy's life will be held on April 15, 2023 in Bethesda, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.