In loving memory of

Chiyeko Goto

Born January 5, 1919 in Selma, California, Chiyeko Tsunehara was the second of five daughters. She attended school in the U.S. until moving to Japan at age 15 to pursue traditional Japanese cultural studies. Through an arrangement by her parents, in 1937 Chiyeko married Kenzo Goto in Hiroshima, and the couple returned to the U.S. and settled in Pasadena. They remained in California until January, 1942 when Chiyeko, Kenzo, and their two children were transferred to the internment camps at Gila River, Arizona. Upon their release in 1945, the family relocated to Phoenix. Chiyeko was a skilled homemaker, and a strong advocate for education and Japanese culture. After their children were grown and had graduated college, she and Kenzo maintained close ties with family and the Japanese community, actively participating in celebrations and festivals of the Arizona Buddhist Temple. Chiyeko and Kenzo remained married until his passing in April of 2002. Chiyeko left us on October 14, 2014. Her legacy of love lives within her daughter Darlene, son Ken and his wife Kerry-Lynn, granddaughter Kristine and her husband Mark Liddle, and great-grandson Kenzo Goto Liddle. The Goto family extends its sincerest appreciation to the staff at Moon Valley Assisted Living for their loving care of Chiyeko during the last 10 months of her incredible life. Services for Chiyeko will be private.

Tributes

Lori Hashimoto wrote on Oct 24, 2014:

"Extending our condolences to the entire Goto family for their loss. Ed Hashimoto & Lori Hashimoto"

Mary Pat McChesney wrote on Oct 22, 2014:

"Dear Darlene and Kenny Jr., Thank you so very much for such a lovely picture of your mother and also such a wonderful tribute to her life. Like all of us McChesneys, I feel that your mother has a most beautiful place in our lives from the time we were little children. We have only the Very Best memories of her and of your father. In fact, we feel very honored and very blessed that your mother and father were such a big part of our lives. We love both of you very much and wish for you very much peace and loving closeness. Mary Pat McChesney"

Nancy (Lundeen) Brooks wrote on Oct 20, 2014:

"Darlene & Family, Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family in the loss of your mother. In reading her obituary, she was a remarkable woman who will be greatly missed but in your hearts forever. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Nancy & Glenn Brooks and the Lundeen Family"

Judy and George Samuels wrote on Oct 20, 2014:

"The wisdom, strength and courage of this gentle lady will live on in her descendants and all those whose lives she has touched."

Hiroko Femyer wrote on Oct 19, 2014:

"Dear Miss Darlene Goto and family, ?I am deeply saddened by the passing of your mother. I?ll always remember her warmly and feel lucky that I had the pleasure of knowing her. I\'ll miss her very much.\" Sincerely, Hiroko Femyer"

Margaret McChesney wrote on Oct 19, 2014:

"Dear Darlene and Ken - Your mother held such a beautiful and strong presence in our life\'s ... and we are blessed by so many wonderful memories of her and Kenny. One such one is the memory of her gift of handmade receiving cloths at the time of John Whitney\'s birth. I kept them for many years long after their use. She always had a welcoming smile when we would come to visit and I always felt \"at home\" with her. Please know that you are in our prayers and good wishes for days of inner peace. I am happy to think of her reunited with Kenny and that their strength and energy surround you. Much love and gentle hugs."

Kerry-Lynn Goto wrote on Oct 18, 2014:

"Rest in peace, beautiful little soul."