Kimiko Ward

Kimiko Ward passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024, at her daughter's home in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She was born in Tokyo, Japan, on July 22, 1942, the youngest daughter of seven siblings to the late Sumie Takahashi and Umemi Kurita.
At 21, Kimiko embarked on a courageous journey, leaving her home in Japan and moving to the United States with her late former husband, Michael Ward, and their newborn daughter, Kathy. Facing significant cultural adjustments, she took this challenge head-on. As a young adult, she was an immigrant in a country and had to adopt an entirely new way of life.
Kimiko spent most of her time with her children and grandchildren. She loved sharing the holidays with her family. Kimiko traveled with her children's families and loved exploring the world. She vacationed at her home in Bonita Springs, FL, playing tennis, golf, and pickleball. Kimiko loved dancing, gardening, and sharing her Japanese dishes with everyone. She enjoyed a challenge at the blackjack or ping pong table and did not give up until she won. Her infectious laugh will always bring a smile; she will be forever missed.
In 2017, Kimiko was diagnosed with Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), a rare neurodegenerative disease. CBD impacts the areas of the brain that process information, control body movement, and inhibit the ability to produce language and swallow. Currently, there is no cure or treatment to slow the progression of CBD. For Kimiko, the disease spread throughout her body, and she subsequently lost her physical abilities. However, she was steadfast throughout her battle, constantly showing resilience and strength in the face of great hardships. Her disease brought her entire family closer as we surrounded her with love and compassion. Kimiko never complained and was always gracious to everyone who cared for her. She was incredibly selfless, kind, courageous, and brave; through it all, she wanted no one to worry about her.
Her loving children will forever cherish Kimiko: Kathy Ward Darin (late husband Mark Darin) of Atlanta, Georgia, Jennifer Ward Forbes of Bloomfield Hills, and David Ward (Julie) of West Bloomfield. Her legacy as a beloved grandmother to her seven grandchildren, Courtney Darin Rouleau (Tom), Alyse Darin, Stephanie Forbes Mermell (Dillon), Bradley, Matthew, and Spencer Forbes, Michael David Ward, and the great-grandmother to William Rouleau, will carry on to future generations.
A Funeral Service will be held at Christ Church Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills, on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 11am. Immediately following, there will be a celebration of life at the home of Kimiko's daughter, Jennifer Forbes: 1081 Country Club Road, Bloomfield Hills.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).