Masako Ichikawa Esparza

Masako "Kazuko" Ichikawa Esparza, 77, of Aurora, CO passed away at home on March 9, 2013 surrounded by her family after a brief illness. She was born in Wakayanagi, Japan on January 26, 1936 and moved to the United States in 1957 when she married Miguel "Mike", her husband of 55 years. She is also survived by their daughters, Elizabeth (Robert) and Dyann (Melissa). To all her American friends she was fondly known as "Susie". She enjoyed quilting, knitting, sewing, a multitude of crafts, and had fabulous cooking skills. Kazuko hosted many celebrations which everyone enjoyed and would rave about for years afterwards. In retirement she traveled to Japan and Europe. She belonged to the Japanese Poetry Group, Kokusei-Kai. She was an extraordinary wife, mother and friend who was dearly loved and will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, Kazuko would have requested that you take your loved ones to Sunday dinner because you were always welcomed around her dinner table. A service to remember and celebrate her kindness, courage and love of life will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at Newcomer East Metro Chapel, with the inurnment to follow at the Ft. Logan National Cemetery.

A reception is planned on Saturday, March 23rd, 2013 from 1-3PM, at The Villas at Great Plains Clubhouse, 2015 S. Espana Court, Aurora, CO 80013.

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