My mother, Machiko, spent her life quietly making the world a little better for the people and animals around her.

Many of you knew her personally. Others may know her through the stories I've shared over the years about my family, our Japanese heritage, and the values that shaped who I am.

Recently, we lost her after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Machiko was never someone who sought recognition or attention. She simply saw people and animals in need and did what she could to help.

Music was one of the great joys of her life. For many years, she performed alongside her close friend and musical collaborator, Paul . Together, they shared countless performances, friendships, and memories that brought happiness to many people throughout our community.

She also had an enormous heart for animals, especially stray and feral cats. She didn't just feed them. She spent years earning their trust, helping trap and transport them for spay and neuter programs, arranging veterinary care, and whenever possible finding them safe and loving homes.

Some of the local cats knew her so well that they recognized her car. I remember driving through town one night and seeing a cat run after the vehicle. It took me a moment to realize it wasn't chasing me. It thought my mother had come to feed it.

That was who she was.

Over the years, she volunteered with several local animal rescue organizations and dedicated countless hours, energy, and resources to helping animals that many people would have overlooked. Even while undergoing cancer treatments, she continued caring for the animals that depended on her.

When she passed away, she left behind nearly a dozen cats that she had been caring for. We are now working to make sure they continue receiving care and eventually find safe and loving homes.

We will be holding a memorial and celebration of life for Machiko this October. In the meantime, we wanted to honor her memory in a way that reflects the work that meant so much to her.

Funds raised through this memorial fundraiser will help provide food, veterinary care, and temporary housing support for the cats she leaves behind while they are placed into loving homes. Any remaining funds will be donated in Machiko's memory to the local animal rescue organizations she volunteered with and supported throughout her life.

My mother's generosity touched far more lives than she ever realized. If I inherited any of my desire to help people, build community, and create a place where others feel welcome, it came from watching her quietly help those who needed it, whether they walked on two legs or four.

Thank you for helping us continue her legacy of kindness.

With gratitude,

Kiyo, Hinda, Paul, and all who loved her