Cathy Koshiyama
Cathy Koshiyama
Obituary
Guest Book
Cathy Koshiyama Obituary
May 30, 1955 - July 18, 2012
Resident of San Rafael
Cathy Diane Koshiyama, age 57, passed away on July 18, 2012 from metastatic breast cancer. A born fighter, she battled her disease until the very end with her family by her side. She was born on May 30, 1955 in Lafayette, Indiana to the late Dr. Takashi and Betty Inouye. She grew up in San Jose, graduating from San Jose High School and received her B.A. from San Jose State University and her R.N. degree from DeAnza College. She worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital near Boston and Marin General Hospital.
She is survived by her husband of 30 plus years Robert Koshiyama DDS, daughter Kimberly, brother David Inouye of Eugene, Oregon, his wife Jan, their children Tamara, Niki, Jarod, and Amelia. She also leaves behind her mother-in-law Teri Koshiyama and brothers-in-law Ronald and Roger.
Cathy loved playing competitive tennis at Mt. Tam Racquet club with her good friend Margie and also enjoyed golfing at the California Golf Club with her husband. She was also very active in the community, serving as a volunteer nurse for Roto-Care in San Rafael, also a member of the Marin Medical Reserve Corps and helping in numerous charity golf and tennis tournaments. She was a very brave and lovely lady whose smile, good spirit, and optimism will be missed by many.
The family would like to thank Dr. Evelyn Nakagawa for her care during the last months of Cathy's life. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday, August 26 at 3 pm at Wesley United Methodist Church, 566 North 5th Street, San Jose.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Paul
January 2, 2023
What I am saying is long, long overdue and I apologize. I was shocked to learn of your mom´s passing. Your mom and I were classmates at Peter Burnett and San Jose High. We also had mutual friends, so our time there was memorable. My first impression was that she was quiet, smart, and cute. I firmly stand by it to this day even though one of our mutual friends told me that she wasn´t that quiet. Ha. I will also never forget watching her and Kathleen at the Buddhist gym practicing their dance routine before the Obon festival. Sadly, I started focusing on school sports and your mom, and I, didn´t stay in touch. After high school, I remember seeing your mom and dad at the neighborhood tennis courts. Looking back, I am so sad that I could not have connected with her and maybe had a friendly tennis match. Again, my apologies for not letting your family know sooner that I always considered your mom a very, very special person who will be sorely missed, and I will never forget her.
Kimi Koshiyama
December 21, 2022
Mom, things haven't been the same since you've been gone but I am doing fine. Even though it has been a little over 10 years since we've lost you sometimes the memories pop up and I am grieving again, miss and love you.
Kim Koshiyama
February 28, 2019
Still miss you a lot Mom. Although time has healed the pain considerably, you are still in my thoughts daily--love you
Kim Koshiyama
February 28, 2018
Not a day goes by where I don't think of you and remember you fondly. You really did a lot for me as a mom--I miss you
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Kimi Koshiyama
June 27, 2016
Still love and miss you every day Mommy. Each day time heals wounds a little more but you'll always be in my thoughts forever
Kimi Koshiyama
October 21, 2014
Still love you and miss you every day---it may have been 2 years ago but you will always be in my heart, love you Mom.
Love Kimi
Kimberly Koshiyama
May 15, 2014
May is one of the toughest months, as well as holiday time. You would be almost 60 years old now. I'm sad that you will miss my wedding but I am honoring you by making the wedding date your birthday, will always keep you in my thoughts
Kimberly Koshiyama
January 6, 2014
Still miss you and think of you every day Mom. I just became engaged and would have been happy to have you here but am moving forward with my life, remembering you fondly
Kimi Koshiyama
July 22, 2013
A little over a year has gone by and there's still not a day that goes by where I don't think about you--life still has not been the same without you but I will still move forward and make you proud--Love Kimi
Robert Koshiyama
July 21, 2013
You've been gone for over a year now. It seems much longer. There is a huge void in my life without you. I know Kimi and your brother Dave also feel your loss tremendously. I am glad you are no longer suffering and I hope you are in a better place. Love, Rob
Robert Koshiyama
May 31, 2013
Today would have been your 58th birthday. We should have been having fun today and thinking about how we would celebrate the big "6-0" when it came around. Not a day goes by when I don't think about you and miss you very much. I'll always love you my beautiful wife. - Love, your husband Bob (Rob to you)
Kimi Koshiyama
March 1, 2013
Still thinking of you Mom every day, you'll always be in my thoughts.
David Perez
October 8, 2012
Cathy was a dear friend when we attended Burnett Jr. High School together. I will always remember her and her friend Sandy Lew in Mr. Kitajima's science class, and Photography Club. Though I had not seen her in years, my memories of her continue to live on. Until we meet again, Cathy.
Rosanne (Hernandez) Chavez
September 23, 2012
I am very saddened to learn of Cathy's recent passing. I was a classmate of hers at San Jose High (Class of '73). She was a sweet, kind and happy person who I know who will always be missed by her loving family and friends.
Karol Koshiyama Matsune
August 20, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Kimi and Bob. Cathy was such a presence at all the family events. I will always think of her and miss her joyful outbursts (^.^) whenever we play board games. The holidays will never be the same. I'm sorry I won't be able to attend Cathy's memorial service this weekend, but please know that I will be thinking of you both. xoxo, Cousin Karol
Kathleen Foote
August 14, 2012
Cathy and Bob were one of the best married couples I ever saw together - happy, connected, comfortable with themselves and each other, enjoying so many things together. Including and especially, parenthood. (When Kimi was growing up they were as into each new Harry Potter book as she was -probably more!). Their trip to Japan was a very meaningful experience for both of them, and Cathy loved (and happily explained) every detail of each photograph they took. They were the only married couple I know who always managed to play tennis together without getting into arguments or putting each other down - although she certainly would give him a dirty look on occasion when he smashed one straight at her! My memories of Cathy herself, her courage and her cheer, will always be mingled with the memories of Cathy-and-Bob together. Such a good model for the rest of us, you guys! ("You guys!" - a favorite expression of hers..) Blessings on you both, and Kimi too!
Martine von der Lippe
August 13, 2012
Cathy was a wonderful woman, always positive. Sending good prayers to Kimi and her family. She will not be forgotten. My condolences! May she rest in peace.
Rachael Murray
August 13, 2012
Gone but not forgotten may your mother rest in peace. Sending good prayers to you and your family. May her memory live in your hearts and carry you on to a life filled with happiness and joy.
Tom Bondi
August 13, 2012
To the family of Cathy, I was very saddened to learn of Cathy's passing. It has been quite awhile since we've seen each other but I remember Cathy like it was yesterday from high school and before. Since my mother is a breast cancer survivor as well as cousins, I have walked for 5 years in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer (39.6 miles over 2 days) to raise money and awareness for this disease. I want to pass along my thoughts to the family for such a sad event and have you know that she was a wonderful person, and I'm glad that we had years in school to know each other. She is remembered and I will add her to my Tag for next year's Walk to remind us all of those we walk for, she will not be forgotten.
August 13, 2012
The loss of a mother is immeasurable, as is the power of support and love from those around you.
Cathy was a special person and so provides special memories that will sustain.
Love and hugs. Susan Davis and Family.
Callie Starbird
August 13, 2012
Gone but not forgotten, may her memories last forever
Larel Corsiglia Bondi
August 13, 2012
I just heard of Cathy's passing and am very saddened. I met Cathy in High School and reconnected at San Jose Hospital as Nursing Assistants before we became RN's. I worked with her Dad for many years at San Jose Hospital before it became San Jose Medical Center. Please know that there are those out there that haven't seen Cathy in years, and still feel shocked by this news. She was a sweet and caring person, and I am so sorry for this loss to so many that were in her life.
Bryan Yoshida
August 8, 2012
Cathy - Boulder Creek Country Club (1971)
Robert Koshiyama
August 8, 2012
Today would have been our 31st anniversary. Cathy was a terrific wife and life partner. I didn't fully realize just how wonderful she was until she was gone. She was loving and comforting and always optimistic. She has left a huge void in my life and indeed in my very core. I shall miss her the rest of my life.
Kimi Koshiyama
August 3, 2012
There is not a day that goes by where I don't stop and think about my Mom and miss her so terribly that the pain is almost unbearable. You were my best friend and my mom and I promise that I will fulfill your legacy as you wanted me to do.
Here is a link to another guest book which will be kept online:
http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/dignitymemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=cathy-koshiyama&pid=158662854&page=2
"Summer of Cathy" 1971
Bryan Yoshida
August 2, 2012
This is very shocking to me. I remember her well as a young girl. She will be remembered fondly. Condolences to her family.
Summer of Cathy 1971. Photo by Bryan H Yoshida.
Bryan Yoshida
August 2, 2012
Janice Breaux
August 2, 2012
My sincere condolences to Cathy's family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Cathy and I were San Jose High Class of 1973 classmates. I have fond memories of Cathy as a SJH Bulldog Letter Girl and a genuine sweet and kind person. She always attended our class reunions despite the medical challenges and always looked forward to seeing her there. May the beautiful memories of Cathy heal broken hearts and wipe away all sadness.
Astrid
August 2, 2012
I am saddened to hear of Mrs. Koshiyama's passing. I first met her when I was 12 years old through Kimi and our Girl Scout troop. I always admired how devoted she was to her family and especially Kimi. She was a great mother and it was obvious that she always put the ones she loved ahead of herself. Rest in peace.
Vicky (Jacob) Diaz
July 31, 2012
Cathy and I went to Peter Burnett Jr. High School eons ago. She was a beautiful person inside & out. I share your sadness.
Victoria Giampaoli
July 30, 2012
Dear Kimi and Family,
I am so sorry to hear this news. I will always remember your Mother from our good times in girl scouts together. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Lori (Steinhauer) Cougill
July 30, 2012
I was saddened to read this obituary of the passing of Cathy, an old jr. high school friend. My thoughts & prayers to her loved ones.
Karen VanderMeer & Family
July 30, 2012
Dear Kimi and family-
You are in our thoughts and prayers. Remembering your mom fondly.
Deborah Conrad
July 29, 2012
Cathy was a fellow mom of mine in Troop #3908. She and Kimi and the rest of the small troop of high school freshman and sophmores and their parents warmly welcomed my daughter Emily shortly after we moved from Michigan to Marin. We had lost husband and father not so long before.
Cathy and I lived in the same neighborhood. We would intersect occasionally and talk at United Market. She was always open, friendly, unassuming and cheerful, fun to be with.
She was also a nurturing person who lent a sympathetic ear and was clearly ready to do more than that. I will remember fondly the good times we spent together with our daughters, and miss having her among my circle of friends.
Carol Levin
July 28, 2012
In memory of Cathy. A loving and devoted mother.
Carol Levin
July 28, 2012
Cathy was the sunshine cookie mom for Troop #3908. But I don't mean Girl Scout cookies. To every gathering, she brought yummy cookies, to spread a little sweetness around. You could depend on it.
We had many good times together. Kimi was in the troop for 6 years with me as leader. I had many opportunities to observe the special bond between mother and daughter. Kimi, you must always carry in your heart the knowledge that you mother adored you.
This is the second loss in Troop #3908 to breast cancer, in what to me seems like such a short time. Iris, before, also lost the battle in the prime of life. We need to turn our grief into passion and fight this dreadful disease. I light a candle in Cathy's name.
This is Cathy at an inn in Kyushu in 2010. We went there right after the Giants won the World Series. Cathy felt it was the best place we stayed at .
July 27, 2012
Robert Koshiyama
July 27, 2012
When I first started dating Cathy in 1974 I thought she was incredibly beautiful. I found out that she had a beautiful soul too. We married in 1981 after we both finished school and I literally felt like the luckiest guy in the world. We had over 30 years of a wonderful marriage. It will be extremely difficult to go on without her. I am fortunate that she gave me a great daughter to help me cope with her loss. It will be hard for me to go on a trip without thinking how much more fun I would have if Cathy were with me.
Barb Hioki
July 26, 2012
Dave, Ron, and all of Cathy's family,
So sorry for your loss. Rev Keith announced Cathy's passing on Sunday.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Kimi Koshiyama
July 25, 2012
My mom was an incredibly brave, kind-hearted, funny individual who has touched a lot of peoples' lives. She was an excellent mother, wife, sister, friend, nurse, tennis partner, etc. She had a bold and infectious personality. I will miss her terribly and I think about her every single day but she will always remain in my heart, I love you Mom/Nuppy:) (apologies for cross-posting w in messages as well)
Kimberly Koshiyama
July 25, 2012
My mom was an incredibly brave, courageous and loving individual who has been battling debilitating diseases for most of her life. She dedicated so much time to me and was an excellent mother, wife, sister, daughter, nurse, friend, tennis partner etc. etc. Not a minute goes by where I don't think about her and she will always be in my heart, I love you Mom
Rebecca McNulty
July 24, 2012
With heartfelt sympathy and best wishes to the Koshiyama family--
Kimberly Koshiyama
July 24, 2012
I tried to add photos but there is something amiss with the servers...my mom was my best friend as well as an amazing wife, sister, friend, nurse, etc. She passed peacefully with myself, my father and one of her closest friends by her side. I will miss her so very much but I know that she will always be in my heart and watching over me. I love you very much Mom and I'll continue your legacy as you desired.
My mom and I at a breast cancer walk
Kimi Koshiyama
July 24, 2012
Brian Waterbury
July 23, 2012
It is with the deepest regret that we learn of Cathy's passing. Cathy was a member in good standing of the Marin Medical Reserve Corps. Cathy's dedication and professionalism to the Community will be missed. It is with much sadness that we, the Marin Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers, say "Good Bye" to our friend and collegue.
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