Kyoko Kawasaki Miya

Kyoko Kawasaki Miya, a beacon of love and strength, gracefully departed this world on November 18, 2024, in Roy, Utah, at the age of 91. Born on September 7, 1933, in Japan, she exemplified resilience and beauty across her remarkable journey, captivating all with her gentle spirit and artistic talents.

Kyoko was an exceptionally gifted individual who dedicated herself to both her craft and family. Her education at a prestigious all-girls Catholic high school in Japan laid the foundation for a life rich in creativity. It was here that she honed her skills in sewing and cooking, passions that would become her enduring legacies. In April of 1964, she embarked on a new chapter when she married her beloved husband, Masami Miya, in Japan. Shortly thereafter, she made the courageous decision to move to the United States, fulfilling her dream of building a life filled with love and community.

Kyoko’s proudest accomplishments extended beyond her personal endeavors. Earning U.S. citizenship in 1973 marked a pivotal moment in her journey, symbolizing her unwavering commitment to her new home. As the matriarch of her family, she was a nurturing presence, cherished dearly by her children: Tena Miya, Nancy (Mark) Munekata, Sharon Schutte, and Alan Miya. Five adoring grandchildren were fortunate to bask in the warmth of her love and wisdom.

In her prime years, Kyoko devoted her time to working on the farm at Stokers Nursery in Syracuse, where she became known not only for her dedication but passion. She and Masami owned and operated Miya’s Farm, becoming a long running fixture in the community. She also created enchanting knitted ski hats that brought joy to patrons of the Snow Bird ski resort. Her legacy was woven through every stitch, and  nurtured in the soil of the farm where she thrived.

An aficionado of gardening, cooking, and sewing, Kyoko’s home was a haven of warmth. She delighted in sharing homemade nappa and daikon with her family and even new friends, often featuring recipes passed down through generations. Music also played a significant role in her life; she found solace and expression in playing the koto and the buhkashishu, two traditional Japanese instruments, alongside her skill at the organ. These hobbies were not just pastimes, but reflections of a life lived fully and vibrantly.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Masami Miya, and her beloved children, with a vibrant legacy carried forth by her five grandchildren, Kai, Erika, Robert, Rod, and Kimberly. Kyoko leaves behind her siblings, Masano Kawasaki and Shigeko Fukuda, whose hearts entwined with hers throughout their lives. She now joins her late parents, as well as her brother Hajime and sister Yaeko, weaving together an everlasting bond that transcends time.

Kyoko Moya will be forever remembered not only for her talents but for the unconditional love she bestowed upon those fortunate enough to be part of her life. Her spirit, like the gardens she tended, will continue to bloom in the hearts of her family and friends, reminding all who knew her of the beauty inherent in a life lived with purpose and devotion.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Ogden Buddhist Church, 155 North St. Friends may visit with family on Monday, November 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S.