Obituary: Takimoto, Ami
Age 81
A native Spokanite, she was born to Asataro and Takako Takimoto.
She graduated from Lewis and Clark, married Aisei Shimizu, and spent the earliest years of her marriage as an Air Force wife, in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Unfortunately this marriage did not last, but produced two daughters who were the treasure of her life.
Family life was everything to Ami.
She drew into this family uncountable friends and the family of Dr. Cornelius Hagan for nearly 50 yrs as his assistant, a board member of his foundation and caregiver.
Caregiver describes Ami to a T. She cared for her parents, an elder sister, and the Hagans, lending her energy full bore.
Whatever she did, whether it was in sports (tennis!
), art, decorating, entertaining, she did it with passion.
She enjoyed giving gifts.
Her thoughtfully picked gifts were so beautifully wrapped, you almost hated to open them!
Nothing was done half way.
She leaves behind her daughters: Jodi Tai (Scott) Riggin, Donni (Wally) Heidenson; four grandchildren: Kris and Jade Taylor, Keli and Staci Heidenson; four great-grandchilden; a sister, Yuri (Dr. Vincent) Chiu, of Portland; numerous nieces and nephews; and a large extended family who will miss her hugely.
Ami emphatically rejected a funeral.
What she wanted was a “Big Party”.
The family will do as she commanded, of course.
This Party will be sometime this summer, her most favorite time of year.
Special thanks to Providence VNA Palliative Care for their kind and compassionate care.