Reiko Keat Obituary

Reiko was born on September 16, 1929, and passed away peacefully on June 1, 2025, at the age of 95. She lived a long, full life-one filled with purpose, passion, and compassion. For more than half of her life, she made her home here in the United States, where she touched the lives of so many and created a family not by blood, but by heart.
To know Reiko was to be cared for. She had a generous spirit that reached beyond the surface, offering kindness in the form of a listening ear, a warm smile, or, if you were lucky, a homemade birthday cake-baked with the same precision and love that she brought to every part of her life. She was a phenomenal baker, and those cakes weren't just desserts; they were expressions of her affection, tokens of her thoughtfulness.
Reiko worked in the assembly of electronic equipment-a career that suited her perfectly. She was meticulous, detail-oriented, and deeply dedicated to her craft. She took pride in her work and was respected and loved by all her coworkers. In fact, her workplace became more than just a job; it became her extended family. She brought warmth and light to those she worked alongside, and even as she aged, her determination never wavered. She worked-and drove-until she was 92 years old. That fact alone speaks volumes about her strength, independence, and incredible work ethic.
Reiko was a private person, never one to seek the spotlight, but her actions always spoke louder than words. She was the kind of person who didn't have to say much for you to feel her presence, her care, and her unwavering loyalty. She was strong, not just in body but in spirit, driven in all she did, and independent in a way that inspired those around her.
One of her greatest joys was growing orchids. She had a remarkable talent and a gentle patience for cultivating their delicate beauty. Orchids, in many ways, mirrored Reiko herself-elegant, resilient, and quietly captivating.
Though she had no biological family in the United States, Reiko built a chosen family-through friendship, kindness, and the deep bonds she formed with those around her. We were the lucky ones, to have known her, worked with her, and called her our friend.
Her life reminds us that strength can be soft, that independence can walk hand in hand with compassion, and that family is not only who we are born to, but who we choose, and who chooses us.
We will miss her dearly, but we will carry her memory with us-every time we see a blooming orchid, every time we bake with care, every time we choose to be kind and generous without expecting anything in return.
Rest peacefully, Reiko. You were loved. You are loved. And you always will be.
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