Rayko Kojimoto
February 28, 1925-April 13, 2020
Rayko Kojimoto, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2020. Rayko was born on Feb. 28, 1925 in Los Angeles, to Sanji and Shika Sekiguchi. She was raised in Northern California and attended Emery High School in Emeryville. Before she could complete her senior year, her family was relocated to Tanforan Assembly Center in San Bruno and then to an internment camp at Topaz, Utah. Her family was unjustly forced to sell their home and family business. One silver lining for Rayko that came out of the internment was meeting her husband, Chiaki Kojimoto. The couple married in Chicago on July 15, 1944. After the war ended, they moved to Los Angeles and eventually, settled in Gardena, Calif.
Rayko had two children, Karen and Marc. In addition to being active in PTA activities, she worked at Leah’s, a children’s clothing store in the Town and Country shopping center. She also worked as a secretary for an architectural firm. One of her greatest pleasures was being a childcare provider for many working moms. At the age of 79, Rayko was able to officially receive her high school diploma (in cap and gown) when the principal of Emery High invited her to participate in their graduation ceremony. With her family and friends there to witness her dream come true, it was one of the happiest days of her life.
Rayko and “Chuck” were known to be gracious hosts to their many friends and extended family. Rayko leaves behind two children, Marc Kojimoto and Karen Kino (spouse, Stanley). She loved her grandchildren, Heather Nakasuji (spouse, Scott), Michael Kino, Mathew Kojimoto, Karly Kojimoto (deceased) and great-grandchildren, Drew and Quinn Nakasuji. She also leaves behind her younger brother, Richard Sekiguchi, older brother, Henry (deceased), sister-law, Peggy Sekiguchi, and nieces and nephews (Serena Kojimoto, David Kojimoto, Jon Sekiguchi, and Steven Sekiguchi).
Rayko’s Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. She was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.