Chizuko Nonaka

Chizuko Nonaka, age 71, passed away in her home on March 17, 2025. A native of Japan, Chizuko was born on April 13, 1953 in Tokyo, and lived in a multi-generational household with relatives until she moved to the United States with her parents and younger sister in 1963. She first lived in Los Angeles for one year before moving to San Diego, then in 1968 to Dallas, before moving back to Japan in 1971. During the time in Japan Chizuko was graduated from St. Maur International School in Yokohama, after which time the family settled in Houston, where Chizuko spent the remainder of her life.

After Chizuko’s family settled in Houston in 1972, her parents opened a jewelry business in Houston’s Galleria called the Oriental Pearl Gallery. She worked in the family business while attending the University of Houston, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts in 1975. She continued to work at the Oriental Pearl Gallery, using her artistic expertise to design the storefront. After the family business closed in 1991, she took a sales position at Tiffany and Company in the Galleria for some years until she went into semi-retirement, when she began to take projects as a personal organizer, in both personal and business situations.

Chizuko always enjoyed plants and the art of Ikebana to create beautiful flower arrangements. She loved to travel, especially when returning to her native Japan to enjoy time with relatives, often traveling within the country. She also loved to cook and enjoyed dining with friends.

Chizuko is survived by her sister Michiyo, nephew David (wife Heather Beans), and nieces Robin and Margaret, and one great niece, three-year-old Emma Sparacio. She is also survived by numerous cousins in Japan.

A private memorial will be held for Chizuko at the home of her sister, Michiyo Sinclair, at a date to be announced.