Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1922
DIED
2018
Joyce Chikami Obituary
Lakewood, CO - Joyce Hisako Chikami passed away on September 2, 2018. She had suffered a stroke on August 14. She died peacefully in her home in Lakewood CO, where she had lived with her daughter Cerise and son-in-law Victor Nehf since April of 2014.
Joyce was born in Sacramento, CA on June 8, 1922. She graduated from Sacramento High School. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Joyce and her mother Chika Tsujimichi were sent to Tule Lake Internment Camp, located in the northern remote area of CA. She received a special work permit to leave the camp and work in Reno NV. Luck would have it that she met her future husband Frank Chikami, (deceased 1998) who went off to war in the American infantry 442unit. After a yearlong convalescence due to injury in the war, when they returned to Reno, they married on March 1, 1944. They had 2 daughters, Lynne (deceased 1956) and Cerise.
She also leaves behind 2 grandchildren: Daniel and Lindsay Heelis and 2 great grandchildren.
Joyce and Frank were founding members of the JACL Reno since 1944; her career included being Secretary to the principal at Billinghurst Jr. High School, and at Wooster High School from the day it opened its doors. She was an avid bowler doing many leagues and tournaments bowling into her early 90's.
We are sad and the house is empty without her, but she is in a better place. We send her on her way to be with Frank and all the relatives who have gone If anyone would like to make a donation in her memory, please do this through the Reno chapter of the JACL- P.O. Box 1567 Reno, NV 89505
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Chikami
6 Entries
September 26, 2018
I am so sorry to read of the passing of your dear mother. Please accept my regrets. May the passage at James 1:13 give you peace, and may your memories be a comfort to you.
Maureen
Dennis Bickett
September 25, 2018
Dear Cerise and family,I am very saddened to hear of your mom's passing.She was a first class lady, whom I only knew a short while.I also saw her on a few occasions in the summer school Office at the school district while dealing with our kids issues.The world is a lesser place without her.May God bless you and your family.
Bill Chrystal
September 24, 2018
I conducted Frank's service in 1998, and saw Joyce occasionally after that. She was a wonderful woman. Joyce's life and Frank's were filled with resiliency and goodness. You have my deepest sympathy.
Paula Hawkins
September 23, 2018
My Mom, Connie Novack, worked with Joyce at Wooster High School for 30 years. They were not only co-workers but lifelong friends. Joyce passed away on what would have been my Moms' 87th Birthday. I remember Joyce as beautiful, classy and intelligent. Thank you again Joyce for my children's first swing set. You were so generous and I just wish I could have fit into your gorgeous hand-me-downs. My prayers and thoughts are with Cerise and family.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Karen Karen
September 23, 2018
Joyce was the executive secretary to Principal Robert Ford at Wooster High School when I taught there. I remember always being greeted by her no matter how busy she was. A very unique individual with much to give to people and life. Was a pleasure to be on her pathway of life for those years! God bless you Joyce and your family!
September 20, 2018
To the Chikami family. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Mathew 5:4 May you find peace, blessings and comfort during this most difficult time. Your neighbor Ann.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Joyce Chikami's name
Memorial Events
for Joyce Chikami
People and places connected with Joyce
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Joyce's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joyce Chikami's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
