Kathie Fong Yoneda was born in Sacramento on Nov. 19, 1946 to Joe Larry and Jennie Fong. She was the eldest of four sisters: sister Dana and Brent Kato and their children Lauren and Joel; sister Patrice Norris; and sister Laureen Fong-Frydendal and daughter Emily.
She passed away on March 12, 2026 with her beloved husband Dennis by her side.
Kathie relocated to Southern California in 1966 to attend the Fashion Institute. To support her education, she began working at Universal Studios, where she became the first Asian American employee hired by the studio. This pivotal moment shifted her career trajectory from fashion to the entertainment industry.
Initially working at an administrative level, she swiftly advanced her career to script reading and project development, becoming a proud member of the Motion Picture Guild. She eventually moved up to executive positions at multiple entertainment companies such as Disney, Paramount, and Island Studios. With this experience, she transitioned her career by presenting seminars for budding screenwriters worldwide.
As a member of the Asian American community during the 1960s and 1970s, Kathie was actively involved in various social entertainment venues of that era, including bowling and fraternity/sorority dance events. It was during one of these social gatherings that she met her husband, Dennis.
Throughout her life, Kathie was dedicated to community organizations such as Nisei Week, CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), La Cañada Junior Women’s Club, and others. She found immense joy in entertaining her family and friends, as well as traveling, reading, shopping, and caring for her beloved cats.