Chieko Uchida's Obituary
Chieko Uchida passed away on April 21, 2019 surrounded by her children after a short nine-month battle with cancer. Born on February 25, 1937 in Fukuoka, Japan, Chieko was one of six children.She married Yoneo “Johnny” Uchida in Japan and shortly thereafter took a one-month journey with her older sister across the Pacific Ocean to the United States to be with Johnny in 1959. They eventually settled in Hayward, California to raise a family and worked together to grow her husband’s gardening and landscape business. Chieko always loved flowers and with her husband and children’s support, they opened Grove Way Florist in 1971. Chieko designedbeautiful floral arrangements for the East Bay community for ten years.After retirement, Chieko returned yearly to Japan in the fall to enjoy the colorful fall foliage and spring to see the beautiful cherry blossoms and visit her siblings. Her greatest passion was visiting and hiking Mount Shasta.She is survived by her husband Johnny and her children Donna (Glen Hori), Andy (Sue Kim), and Michael (Aileen Abrenilla). She cherished and adored her 5 grandchildren, Jessica & Trevor Hori, Connor & Cooper Uchida, and Alden Abrenilla Uchida.Chieko will be greatly missed by her children and grandchildren for her sense of humor and wit. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Umenoki Gardens in Union City, CA to whom they will be forever grateful for the compassion and love they showed Chieko in her final months. A memorial service will be held at the Southern Alameda County Buddhist Church on May 18 at 3:00pm.
What’s your fondest memory of Chieko?
What’s a lesson you learned from Chieko?
Share a story where Chieko's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Chieko you’ll never forget.
How did Chieko make you smile?