Kaori Guerra

"Kind." "Generous," «Thoughtful." "Sweet." These are just a few of the words people used to describe my mother, Kaori Shimoda Guerra, upon learning of her sudden passing. While these terms are true,

Those closest to her also knew her as a balanced woman-savvy, resilient, persistent, and deeply protective. Regardless of how people knew my mother, it is undisputed that she was extraordinary.

Kaori passed away on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, in the presence of her only child, Jessica Shimoda Guerra. She was 63 years old. Her life was a masterclass in perseverance, reinvention, and purpose.

Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Kaori graduated from Tokai University in 1984 with a degree in History, specializing in English history. Though she originally planned to become a teacher, she quickly realized the classroom wasn't her calling and pivoted to broadcast journalism at her father's newspaper company. Hoping to become an international investigative journalist, she initially learned English from a

When David received orders to leave Japan, Kaori made the bold decision to follow him to a country she had never seen and whose language she barely spoke. She immigrated to the United States in December 1986, to begin a new life built on courage and love. In the early years of their marriage, Kaori took on various jobs, including selling hand-painted wood crafts at local fairs. After David's separation from the Navy, the couple settled in Las

Vegas, Nevada, where Kaori worked for Las Vegas VIP Service, assisting Japanese clients in tourism. After more than a decade of service, she left to care for her family and study accounting.

In 2002, while selling her own home, Kaori discovered her true professional passion: real estate. She quickly fell in love with "house hunting" and helping others not just find a house but a home. By 2004, she was a licensed Realtor with Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, where she served the Las Vegas community for over 22 years. Known for her tireless work ethic, integrity, and warmth, Kaori consistently ranked among the top 25% of her company and earned numerous awards. Yet, her greatest satisfaction came from helping people find stability and joy in homeownership. She was particularly talented with assisting military families, immigrants, and those with limited means.

Those that knew her, knew Kaori was a self-described "Workaholic" who even spent her spare answering emails, taking phone calls, and scheduling appointments.

Outside of work, Kaori cherished good meals and lively conversations with family, friends, and clients alike. She had a rare gift for connection, where strangers quickly felt like family. Her hobbies also included doing her laundry, reorganizing her home (especially her closet and desk), watching TV dramas-particularly Chinese period epics, Korean revenge stories, and Japanese shows-and spending quiet time with her husband and daughter. She loved coffee, animals, and shopping, but notoriously did not like camping (or, as she would have put it,

"anything with dirt").

Though she lived most of her life in Las Vegas, Kaori remained deeply proud of her Japanese

Heritage. Since 2016, she volunteered with the Kizuna Japanese Society, finding joy in community with other Japanese people and sharing her culture with the broader Las Vegas community. She made it a point to never forget who she was or where she came from.

Kaori is survived by her husband of 38 years & nine months, David Guerra; her daughter, Jessica.Shimoda Guerra; her mother, Nobuko Shimoda; her sister, Megumi Fujita; and her nieces and nephews, Kaori is also survived by her pets: Komugi, the golden-doodle; Kiki, the micromini labradoodle; Nikki, the African grey parrot; the chickens - Rose, Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy aka "the Golden Girls"); and

Many remember my mother for her warmth, determination, and the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her kindness and positivity touched countless lives, and her legacy of love, hard work, and compassion continue to live on in all who knew her. However, her journey also reminds us to live boldly, love deeply, and give generously. Despite every obstacle, Kaori turned her experiences, skills, and opportunities into a full-filling life uniquely her own. While she is no longer with us, her light and legacy continue to shine through the memories, stories, and lessons she leaves behind.

We can honor her memory by learning the lessons she has taught us, including to be open-minded, and appreciate and respect the elements of the world and people around us.

~Jessica Shimoda Guerra

Kaori's Daughter