She Will Forever Be Missed
SUZANNE KAZUE YAMANAKA KITCHENS
1953
2021
Remembering Suzanne
This site was created in memory of Suzanne Kitchens. Our loving wife, mother and grandmother.
Born in Los Angeles
OCTOBER 2ND, 1953
Suzanne Kazue Yamanaka Kitchens died on May 23, 2021, at the age of 67. Her husband of 48 years, John Kitchens as well as their three daughters Katina, Alyssa, and Emily were with her at their home in Camarillo.
Born on October 02, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, she was the daughter of Riuichi (Roy) “Keiho” and Fumiye Yamanaka. After graduating from Gardena High School in 1971 where she met and began dating John, she went on to study business at California State Dominguez Hills receiving both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration.
She retired from a career in finance, the last 24 years as a self-employed Enrolled Agent preparing income taxes. She was re-elected to the Pleasant Valley School Board (Camarillo) for the sixth time in the November 2020 election, serving 21 years as a Trustee. She was an Executive Committee member for the Ventura County School Boards Association where she served for nearly 20 years. She was the President of the California State School Boards Association, the statewide body where she advocated for children, at the time of her passing.
In addition to her husband John Kitchens and three daughters Katina Kitchens, Alyssa Kitchens, Emily Bacon, and husband Bryan Bacon, she has two granddaughters Samantha Stone and Jemma Bacon who became the focus of her personal time. She is also survived by her siblings Aimee Yamada, Dennis Yamanaka, and wife Sharon, and Edwin Yamanaka and wife Janice. She has 9 nieces and nephews.
Suzanne and John began dating while both were attending Gardena High School, John a junior and Suzanne a senior, their first kiss on December 20, 1970. They have been together for the ensuing 50 years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pediatric Research Foundation or the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Department at CHOC. Suzanne died from the complications of ovarian cancer. She wants to make sure that all children have a chance in life and not be overcome too early by medical issues.
A community celebration of life will be held at an undetermined place and time.