Kaoru (Carol) Kakazu
July 2, 1934 — December 3, 2020
Danville — Kaoru (Carol) Kakazu, 86, of Danville, formerly of Chicago, Ill., Carlsbad, Calif. and Sakura Gardens in Los Angeles, Calif, passed away peacefully with her daughter Rebecca and granddaughter Kumi by her side on December 3, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Ill.
Kaoru was born on July 2, 1934 the daughter of Fukumatsu and Hisako (Ideno) Utsunomiya in San Francisco, Calif. She married Takashi Kakazu on December 29, 1956 in Chicago, Ill.
Lovingly called “Obachan,” she will be missed by her husband Takashi of Danville, Ill., daughter Rebecca Kimiko Wauthier and Gary Spezia of Danville, Ill., daughter-in-law Maria Chow-Kakazu of Alhambra, Calif., siblings Isao Utsunomiya of Morton Grove, Ill. and Kimi Kimura of Lincolnwood, Ill. and four precious grandchildren, Nathan Wauthier of La Mesa, Calif., Kumi Wauthier of Waltham, Mass., Lauren Kakazu of Alhambra, Calif. and Ashley Kakazu of Alhambra, Calif. She was a cherished aunt of many nieces and nephews.
Kaoru is preceded in death by her parents, one son, Thomas Hiroki Kakazu, and two brothers, Toworu Richard Utsunomiya and Masakazu Utsunomiya.
Kaoru enjoyed spending her free time knitting, working on numerous arts and crafts and loved her daily walks. Most important to her was caring for others and her family. She never hesitated to accompany friends to doctor visits and treatments to translate English to Japanese. Kaoru was well loved and will be missed greatly by all who have known her for her kindness.
A celebration of Kaoru’s life will be held at a later date. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please join Kaoru’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com