Karen Hisako Tanaka

Karen Hisako Yoshida passed away on October 8, 2026 in Longmont on her 91st birthday. She was born on October 8, 1935 in LaJara, Colorado to Hideichi and Misao Yoshida. Karen was number 8 out of 11 children but her brother, Hideo, died in infancy. She grew up with 4 brothers and 5 sisters.

She graduated from Alamosa High School in 1953 ans was in the Library Club which showed her love of reading early on. It seemed she always had a book in her hand. She worked on her parent's farm while growing up and at a bank in Denver after graduation. In Denver, she participated in activities in the Japanese community like dancing, sports, and bowling where she met her husband, Rocky Tanaka. They were married on November 29, 1959 in Denver. They moved to Erie, Colorado where Rocky farmed with his brothers. They had 3 children: Carol, Diane, and Greg. She worked on the farm starting in the fields, and then helping her sister, Sumi (who married Rocky's brother, Sam), with the bookkeeping. She also worked at Sherwood Enterprises in Longmont.

Karen loved family gatherings and meeting for lunch with her group of "birthday luncheon ladies" -- which consisted of sisters, Sumi and Janet, friends, Mae and Mary Ida, Helen Johns, Jo Weaver, and Margaret Miyasaki. She also loved reading, shopping, bowling, holidays, parties, good food, and going to Black Hawk.

Preceding her in death; husband Rocky, granddaughter Ashley, brothers Mas, Grant, Harlan, Bryon, and sisters Yasko, Kiyo, Elaine, and Sumi. Karen is survived by her sister, Janet (Kiyo) Nakata, children, Carol (Jim) Bowman, Diane (Dale) Kiyota, and Greg (Lin) Tanaka, Grandchildren, Rocky, AJ (Katy), Skylar, Lauren, Melissa (David), Nikole, and great-grandson Gavin (Emily). And numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A special thank you to Trailwinds Integrated Hospice and Palliative Care. Your help, love, and support in the last 4 years caring for our mom have been invaluable.

There will be an Open House Celebration of Life from 12 to 3 PM on Friday, November 6th, 2026 at Howe Mortuary and Crematory, located at 439 Coffman Street, in Longmont, Colorado. Please stop by for some food, to visit with family, and to share stories if you'd like. Dress casual, or wear a shirt or sweatshirt with a funny phrase or quote on them. She loved them! She will be greatly missed, especially her sense of humor, and her big, beautiful smile.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for her loving family.