G. Susan (Suki) Kiyoi was born on September 13, 1945 and passed peacefully on August 10. She was born in Columbus, Ohio to Terry and Gary Kadani. Suki grew up in Fresno, CA and graduated from Bullard High School and then went on to Fresno State where she earned her teaching credential. While at Fresno State, she met Mike Kiyoi and in 1968 they were married. Mike was in the Navy from 1969 to 1971 and
Suki moved to Hawaii to be closer to Mike and taught school in
Waialua, Hawaii. Their daughter, Kristi, was born in Honolulu and after returning to Modesto from the Navy, their son, Erik, and daughter, Kari, were born. After staying home for 11 years raising her children, Suki returned to teaching. Suki taught school in Fresno and Waialua and in the Stanislaus Union and in the Empire School District. She loved to teach kindergarten. She retired in 2003 to care for several seniors in her family.
After retirement she was active in the COWS (Coaches' Old Wives) group, organizing luncheons and played in a card group. Suki loved to travel. She traveled with many of her friends and family to Italy, France, Ireland, Scotland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Japan. She had many trips to the Hawaiian Islands and visited many states in the U.S. with friends and family.
Suki was a wonderful loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to all. She was a great organizer and a central figure to all her relatives. She enjoyed eating and cooking. Suki traveled to Hawaii often to see her grandkids and cook their favorite dinners. She also taught her grandkids how to cook meals and pies. Her peach pies were very famous and also her chocolate haupia pie.
Suki was predeceased by her parents, Terry and Gary Kadani. She is survived by her husband, Mike of 54 years, daughter Kristi (Chris) Drier, son Erik (Emi) Kiyoi, and daughter Kari (Dermot) Cantwell and grandchildren, Kelsi and Kyler Kiyoi and Chloe Cantwell. She is also survived by her brother Stan (Barbara) Kadani. She will be missed by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto 95356, or to a favorite charity. A Celebration of Life is pending.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.LakewoodHughson.com for the Kiyoi family.
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