Taka Irimajiri Yamashita
June 10, 1938 – April 21, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Taka Irimajiri Yamashita. She finally found peace after a long battle with cancer. Taka was charming and compassionate to those who had the privilege and pleasure of knowing her. She inspired and touched many people along the way.
Taka, daughter of Saburo and Tami Yamashita was born on June 10, 1938, in Tokyo, Japan. She was born the third of four siblings. She attended International School of the Sacred Heart. Upon graduation she came to the United States to study nursing in 1958 at Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington. After graduating, she moved to Seattle and received her Nursing Board of Registered Nursing License.
Soon after, she moved back to Japan, married and raised four children in Tokyo. She was active in her children’s lives and often volunteered at her parish, Sangenjaya Catholic Church.
In 1985, she moved back to the United States and returned to nursing at San Pedro Peninsula Hospital and Little Company of Mary. She lived in Rancho Palos Verdes with her children.
In 1996, she moved to Camarillo with her partner, Hiroshi Kira. They joined Las Posas Country Club and enjoyed life together traveling around the world, golfing, and entertaining friends & family. Taka was also very involved in the art community. She loved and supported Studio Channel Islands Art Center to follow her passion for art.
She is predeceased by her daughter, Maki Irimajiri and is survived by Hiroshi Kira, Ken & Takako Irimajiri, Miho Irimajiri Manabe, Kana & Ivan Lavinsky, her five grandchildren and friends.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 10:00AM on May 7th at Padre Serra Parish, 5205 Upland Rd., Camarillo, CA 93012.
Donations in lieu of flowers
We remember Taka Yamashita with great fondness, she enjoyed visiting our gallery, taking classes with the artists in residence and participating in our special events.
The Studio Channel Islands community will miss her and we are honored that her family would choose us a recipient of gifts in her honor.
Taka was always keen to learn more about our artists work and to develop her own creativity. In recognition of her passion for the arts we intend to designate any gifts given in her name to a fund to purchase art supplies for our education program.
Click here to learn more about our education programs.
If you have trouble donating through this form you can also donate using this link.
Gifts in Memory
Jen Gamez
My deepest condolences for Taka’s friends and family. She was such an amazing woman and mother.
Rebecca & Mike Pecsok
In memory of our beautiful neighbor, friend and golf buddy. Her smile, her style and her delightful sense of humor will stay with us forever. May she Rest In Peace.
Dr.Elgie & Mrs. Mary McGrath
In loving memory of a dear friend of 63 years, Taka Yamashita
Hinako Sugioka
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Taka obachama..
will miss her so much.
Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family…
Love always,
Hinako Sugioka
Naoe Okubo
I want to wish Taka-san’s family comfort and peace during this difficult time.
There are no appropriate words to express my pain and sorrow of losing irreplaceable best friend, Taka-san. We’ve met in Ventura College, art class 21 years ago. She was a talented, beautiful and kind person. Her intellectual influence and generosity made a huge difference in my life.
My life will never be the same without Taka-san.
I will miss her forever.
Rachel Resnik-Miles
In memory of my dear friend Taka who lit a room up with her smile and had the kindest heart. I cherish the memories made with her and will miss her laugh and amazing sense of style. I will miss the hilarious and endearing interactions between Taka and her sidekick Wil so much and witnessing their deep friendship. Wishing Hiroshi and family comfort during this sad abs difficult time. Taka was a true gem and I’m so grateful she was in my life.
Maria Shimohara
It was honor and pleasure to meet and know Taka she was such a beautiful soul. Sending our love, thoughts, and prayers.
With love,
The Shimohara Family
Maria, Kaity, Kevin & Sean
Courtney Yeager
So sorry for your loss! Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Ronnie and Alan Goldstein
Remembering Taka with love in our hearts! Ronnie and Alan Goldstein