Saori Kawakami of Richardson, Texas passed away on July 3, 2024 at the age of 54. She was born to loving parents Takamaru Murai and Ikuko Yasuda on January 9, 1970 in Japan.
Saori grew up and attended school in Japan. After moving to the United States, she met her soulmate, Kioto Kawakami. The two were united in marriage on August 14, 1997, in the United States, a union that brought immense joy and companionship. Saori attended Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas, where she continued her education.
A woman of many talents, Saori had a deep appreciation for the arts and crafts. She found joy in collecting antique items and expressed her creativity through sewing, crocheting, pottery, gardening, and quilting. She especially enjoyed doing these activities with her friends, creating lasting memories. Saori also loved having flowers around the house and took great care of them, adding vibrant life to her surroundings.
Saori was a kind-hearted person who thought of the well-being of her family even when she was fighting her own illness. She worked as a cafeteria lady at Plano ISD, where she cherished working with her coworkers and made lasting friendships. She was also actively involved in the Dallas Japanese Association (DJA), contributing significant efforts to its initiatives.
Her volunteer spirit was well known, and she often dedicated her time to various causes because she genuinely cared for others. Saori loved attending her sons' school activities, such as volunteering and watching Takahiro’s baseball games and Yoshifumi’s band performances.
Saori is survived by her beloved husband, Kioto Kawakami from Richardson, Texas; sons, Yoshifumi Kawakami and Takahiro Kawakami of Richardson, Texas; mother, Ikuko Yasuda; father, Takamaru Murai; and a host of numerous other loving family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Saori’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/saori-kawakami. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Following the service, a procession will make its way to Ridgeview Memorial Park for a committal service.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.