Kyoko Kodama

Kyoko Kodama, affectionately known as Kay, was born on May 2, 1940, and passed away on October 19, 2026. Throughout her life, Kay was known for her boundless energy, sincere interest in people, dedication to education, and unwavering commitment to her community. She lived a life of service, learning, and meaningful contributions to the lives of others. In her later years, she was also known for her feisty spirit, strong opinions, and determination to do things her own way.

During World War II, Kyoko, the second youngest of twelve children, was only two years old when she and her family were forcibly relocated to a Japanese internment camp on August 4, 1942. They remained there until August 8, 1945 when they returned to Reedley, California. Although Kay was very young at the time and rarely spoke about those difficult years, it was evident that the experience left a lasting impact on her and her family. The hardships, uncertainty, and loss of freedom they endured became an unforgettable part of their family’s history. Though she kept much of that chapter of her life to herself, its significance remained a part of her story and the strength she carried throughout her life.

Kay grew up with strong roots in the Reedley community. She graduated from Reedley High School and Reedley College before continuing her education at San Jose State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She later completed graduate coursework in Education at Fresno State, San Francisco State, and Case Western Reserve University.

Kay’s commitment to education and service took her far beyond her hometown. Following college, she worked for a year in a research laboratory in Washington, D.C., from 1962 to 1963. She then joined the Peace Corps, serving in Malaysia from 1963 to 1964. There, she taught boys ages 10 to 12 at King Edward VII Primary School in Taiping, Perak, under the Ministry of Education. This experience reflected her willingness to embrace new challenges and share her knowledge with others across cultures.

From 1965 to 1967, Kay participated in a work-study project addressing urban educational problems while teaching at an inner-city school in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon returning to Fresno, she continued her teaching career with Fowler Unified School District and Teague School District until 1973. Her years in education demonstrated her belief in the importance of learning and the opportunities it creates for future generations.

Following her teaching career, Kay became employed as a tax examiner with the Internal Revenue Service. She also continued to contribute to research and community understanding. Under contract with Educational Consultants of California, she completed five weeks of data collection through interviews for a study of the Japanese community in the City and County of Fresno, helping document the experiences and contributions of the local Japanese-American community.

Kay maintained a deep interest in civic life, history, education, and community affairs. She was active in the Young Buddhist Association, the March of Dimes, and the Meux House Docent Committee in Reedley. In Fresno, she was a member of the Fresno Women’s Political Caucus, the Japanese American Citizens League, and the Kearney Mansion Docent organization. She also formerly served as a member of the Fresno City and County Historical Society.

Her dedication to education extended into professional leadership through the California Teachers Association, where she was active at both the local and state levels. Locally, she served as president and treasurer and as finance chair for the Ad Hoc Committee. She also served as an alternate minority representative at state CTA Council meetings. Through these roles, Kay demonstrated a willingness to step forward, take responsibility, and advocate for the educational community.

Beyond her many accomplishments, Kay’s independent spirit was one of her most defining qualities. She was feisty, strong-willed, and set in her ways, never losing her determination to live life on her own terms. She remained remarkably alert, aware, and independent until the very end. In 2018, Kay suffered an accident so serious that doctors told her loved ones they did not expect her to survive. But Kay proved them wrong. With the same strength and determination that had carried her through life, she recovered and continued living independently. Even in her later years, she lived on her own and drove herself to her medical appointments, maintaining control over her daily life for as long as she could. Her resilience was a testament to her remarkable spirit and refusal to give up.

In Reedley and Fresno, Kay’s many interests and activities reflected her genuine desire to remain involved and make a difference. Whether teaching students, supporting community organizations, preserving local history, or participating in civic affairs, she brought enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong sense of purpose to everything she did. She approached life with determination and an unmistakable personality that made her uniquely Kay.

Kay will be remembered for her remarkable energy, sincere interest in people, dedication to education and community service, and fiercely independent nature. Her life was one of continual learning, active participation, and a willingness to contribute wherever she could. She faced life’s challenges with courage and perseverance, and her remarkable recovery in 2018 stands as a lasting example of her strength and determination.

Through the students she taught, the organizations she supported, and the communities she served, Kay leaves behind a meaningful legacy of service and engagement. She will also be remembered for her spirited personality, her strong will, and the determination that allowed her to remain independent until the end.

Kay is survived by her younger sister, Susan Kodama, along with her loving nieces, nephews, and extended family. Her surviving family also include Lillian Teranishi and her husband, and their children Alan, Kent, Emery, and Joyce Rodriguez; Patsy Omata and her husband, Shiro, and their children Richard and Linda; Akiko Kimoto and her husband, Ralph, and their children Kerry, Randy, Scott, and Shari Ann; Jiro Kodama and his wife, Aya, and their children Kevin, Kelly, Cathy, Julie, and Lori; Shin Maruyama and her husband, Frank, and their children David and Janice Masaki; Agnes Iwamoto and her husband, Roy, and their children Troy and Jill Yasutake; Harky Shiraishi and her husband, George, and their children George and Roy; Hachi Kodama; Taro Kodama; and Nancy “Katsuko” Takamoto and her husband, Stan, and their children Tracy, Chad, and Dana Yamasawa. Kay leaves behind a wonderful family whose memories of her will be cherished for generations to come.

Her memory will live on in the many lives she touched and in the lasting contributions she made to her community. Kay lived life in her own way, with courage, conviction, and a spirit that could not easily be subdued. She will be remembered with respect, gratitude, admiration, and affection.

Memorial services for Kyoko will be held at a later date.

Donations can be made in memory of Kyoko to Defenders of Wildlife (defenders.org), Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org), or Shriners Children (shrinerschildren.org).