Obituary

Pat Aiko Amino (nee Suzuki) passed away peacefully on March 18, 2016 in Evanston, Illinois at the age of 85. Born in Los Angeles, CA to Yo and Hanako Suzuki, Aiko spent her early childhood in the Boyle Heights neighborhood with her sisters Shizu, Sumi, Yuri and Hide. The family was placed in an internment camp in Poston, AZ during WWII and relocated to Chicago at the end of the war.

Aiko enjoyed participating in sports and clubs at Waller High School. She graduated from secretarial school on a scholarship and worked for the Vice President of Cosmopolitan National Bank. She later became the manager at Heiwa Terrace, a retiree residence in Chicago.

Aiko was well known for her thoughtfulness and generosity. Her sense of humor, easy smile and contagious laughter lit up the room and made people feel at ease. She lovingly raised her 3 children, adored spending time with her grandchildren and was an active volunteer at the schools and in the community. She maintained a genuine warmth and caring that won the trust and hearts of many. Her gift of joy will never be forgotten.

Aiko is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Yosh; sisters Yuri Nishioka and Hide Tekawa, children Kimberly (Eric), Mitchell (Dawna) and Jill (Mark); grandchildren Zachary, Casey, Connor, Mari, Brendon, Brooklynn, Hali and Kati; and many dear nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 1-3 and a Celebration of Life service at 3 pm at Lakeview Funeral Home, 1458 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL. Info – 773-472-6300 or www.lakeviewfuneralhome.com.

Donations in Aiko’s memory may be made to the Japanese American Service Committee, 4427 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640 or to a charity of your choice.