My deepest condolences to the Takeda family. I had the wonderful chance to teach Haley some aerial dance one summer and she left such an impression. She was sweet, kind, thoughtful, beyond talented, and the picture of grace — even laughing while upside-down. Haley left the world too soon, but I will think of her often, especially at the dance studio. Hope she is dancing in the stars now. 💜

I remember Haley being one of my first friends at ballet. She was always so kind and fun to be around. We had wonderful memories dancing in the Nutcracker together, and always shared many laughs backstage. She is incredibly talented, beautiful, caring, and a friend who I really looked up to. To the Takeda family, I am so sorry for your loss - I will always treasure the memories we had together.

I remember the first time I met Haley. I was taking my third Pointe class ever! I saw Haley and was immediately mesmerized by her beautiful braided ballet bun. For some reason, I just knew I wanted to be her friend. Eventually I made my move, I asked her if she wanted to share a pair of leg warmers, and she said sure! The next class, she brought her leg warmers and offered me one side. I remember how happy my heart felt. I got even more excited when I found out we had so many things in common: we were both doing homeschooling at the time, figure skating, loved animals, and of course both wanting to be ballerinas when we grew up. I said to my mom, “I found someone just like me!” I remember when Haley came over to my house and we baked and played with my cats, and she told me that when you blink at a cat slowly, and they blink back, that means they trust you. I thought that was the coolest cat fact ever, and proceeded to tell everyone that (and I still do). And I will never forget when Mrs. Takeda drove us to get crepes after ballet class, and we were listening to a Katy Perry album; we had to skip the Peacock song! Even though these memories are from 10 years ago, they are extremely vivid in my mind, and I think that’s because of the effect that Haley has on people. She has such a beautiful, unforgettable presence, full of life. I would feel so comfortable talking to Haley, and I felt like I could relate to her so well. I have so many more memories: those long Nutcracker rehearsals, her helping me with my quick change during Showcase, choreographing Christmas dances for ballet class and casting ourselves as the ice skaters, the Pointe shoe bag she made, her special sparkly liquid eyeliner, I think I could go on and on and never stop. So many beautiful, precious memories. I am so grateful that God placed Haley into my life, this incredibly beautiful, kind, open, caring friend. Thank you, Haley, for everything <3 

Words cannot express our sorrow at your loss. We are glad we got a chance to know Haley. I remember the first time we met her at the local ballet school 10 years ago and our daughter was so happy to get to know Haley. Even at that young age we could tell she’s so special.  Her memory will always live on in our hearts.  
Blessings to you, both.
With much affection,
Emma (and her girls.)

Dear Jennifer and Yutaka
I am at a loss of words, Haley was taken way from you and the world way too young.  Haley’s smile was radiant, her dance joyous, and  her heart and actions impactful in so many ways.  She was loved. 
It seemed like only yesterday Ava and I ran into you and Haley in San Diego looking for desk chairs of all things.   My heart goes to both of you.


Haley will always be remembered as one who cared deeply about others and strove to make a difference in the world.  She was an amazing soul who had so much to give.  May we all keep Haley's light shining by caring for others as she would have done.  Gone too soon and never forgotten.   

Dear Yutaka and Jennifer,

I am so sorry for your loss. When I learned of her sudden passing, I was and still am in quite a shock. I was her second grader teacher and I recall her giving and happy, positive spirit that I still fondly cherish.   I remember the times we would go as a school to see her perform in the Nutcracker and when she would come to Meadow Heights to perform.  One year, after the performance that day, I was walking back to class and she ran up to greet me. I think that was the last day I saw her.
You are in my constant thoughts Jennifer and Yutaka.  Sending you much hugs and comfort.

Love,
Mrs, Nishitani   (Daisy)


I knew Haley from when she was with the Peninsula Chapter of Amigos de las Americas. She trained with our chapter to live and do service work in Costa Rica during the summer of 2016 and then again the following year in the Dominican Republic. As a board member in our chapter, I've had the pleasure of getting to know hundreds of outstanding young leaders, but few shined as brightly as Haley. What stood out to me was how amazingly she could tell stories through dance, music and video. When Haley returned from her summer in Costa Rica, she put together a video of her trip that she shared with us (and the world on YouTube). It's a real work of art - the more I watched it, the more impressed I was at how masterfully she told the story of her summer. And rather than set her video clips to some popular Latin music, she used a song with country music overtones called "Hold my Hand" – a song about fighting through anxiety and meeting challenges with the support of loved ones  - charging ahead with the refrain "I'm ready for this". As a perfect illustration of the kinds of emotional challenges and joys that face Amigos volunteers during their summers abroad, that video was an amazing show of talent for a 16 year old.

You were taken from us far too soon, Haley. I can't imagine the sorrow that your parents and those closest to you are feeling and I am so sorry. But I also take solace in knowing that you brought joy through your presence and your smile and your talents, to so many of us who were fortunate to know you, even for a little bit. I am so grateful for that. The world is a better place because you were here.

I loved getting to know Haley through AMIGOS training.  Most students decide to go for one summer, but Haley went twice. She gave up her summer vacation time to serve communities and kids in
Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic.  I saw what her life was
like through her videos that she took a long time producing.  Haley was always willing to do anything that was asked of her.  AMIGOS was very lucky to have her. 
I was also very lucky to see Haley dance on numerous occasions both with her studio and at high school.  What a treat!
Haley was very lucky to have such supportive parents who encouraged and supported her activities.  You are in my thoughts.
  Ellen and the AMIGOS team.


Haley was a rising, up and coming star. As a middle school student she was very mature and delicate at the same time. A lovely air about her always and full of life. Haley, we all appreciate the joy, the passion, and the talent you brought to us just by knowing you. Gone but not forgotten. 🌷🙏🏾

Mrs. Cathy Ennon, Former Principal
Abbott Middle School, San Mateo, CA

Dear Jennifer and Yutaka,

Words can not express that grief that we felt about the passing of your beloved, precious daughter.

Haley was a beautiful, vibrant young lady that was so full of life and promise.  She was always such a positive light to everyone around her and her warmth and kindness made others feel valued.    

Both of our daughters were blessed to have danced alongside with Haley at Hillsdale High School.  

May you find peace and comfort in the knowledge that Haley is safely in God's loving arms.

With All of Our Love,
Steve, Debbi, Amanda, and Alyssa

Haley was such a beautiful soul inside and out and a simple joy and pleasure to always be around.  Haley was a gift that we are all so lucky to have touched our lives.  The memory of our ASB family holding hands and praying just before curtain call, on one of the many Nutcrackers they performed in, couldn't be more fitting!

I cannot begin to imagine the pain and darkness that you are walking through. May God hold you ever so comforting in his hands. May you find the strength that you never knew you had to move forward, even its its a slow crawl.  May Haley fly high, light up the sky with her grace and dance forever so elegantly and peacefully in heaven, filling your heart always with her love, sparkle and smile!

Jennifer & Yutaka, 
I remember meeting Haley her first day of kindergarten, a soulful & radiant child then, who became a beautiful soulful woman  radiating love to those whose lives she touched.   We will carry Haley’s  light within us to bring hope, inclusion, love & peace to others.  May the love in our hearts for you & Haley bring comfort.  - Doriel & Family 


Jennifer and Yutaka-san, 
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. 
Though I only had a chance to see Haley personally when she was very little, I know the 2 of you raised her to be a very beautiful woman and know very well how precious she was to you.  
My heart aches for you.
Please remember, you are in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Kimiko Araki


Jennifer and Yutaka, I’m so sorry for your loss. I was Haley’s skating coach about 10 years ago. We would skate in the early afternoon before the crowds, while Jennifer held my son, Elliot, who was a baby.  She was such a lovely person, and I feel fortunate to have gotten to know her. I’ll never forget those afternoons on the ice, as well as watching her dance in “The Nutcracker”. I’m thinking of you and hoping you find moments of comfort and peace. 
Sincerely,
Jean Sternke 

I am a country away, but heard of Haley's story via a news source. As a university student myself, Haley's tragic death struck me. You can tell she radiated love. Her noted work ethic and passion for creating a better world resonates with me. Her story has impacted people internationally. Haley  has reminded me the present is a gift and we must live each day to our fullest. I can not begin to imagine the pain you feel from her loss.   Praying for you. 

OBITUARY

Haley Kaede Takeda

December 6, 1999 – March 20, 2021

Cypress View Mausoleum, Mortuary and Crematory

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