Masako Takayama

Masako Takayama passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, with her family by her side.

Born in Hokkaido, Japan in 1937, she and her sisters moved with family members, to the Tokyo area where they endured World War II. She eventually found work at a US military canteen to contribute support to her family. There she met Kuni Takayama, who was on leave while serving in the US Army during the Korean War. Through many letters and visits, they fell in love and were married in 1959. Three years later she was able to immigrate to the US. She and Kuni spent time in Yakima, Washington and then Moscow, Idaho while Kuni worked toward his doctorate degree. Later, they moved to Madison, Wisconsin where Kuni would finish his post-doc work, and where they raised their two daughters.

Masako dedicated her life to her family. She was a tireless and devoted mother and wife, managing the household, endless carpooling, and enthusiastically attending her children's many events including figure skating competitions and gymnastic meets. She said that raising her two children was her proudest achievement.

Masako worked as a chef for many years, delighting others with her culinary skills, and later retired as the assistant manager at Tellus Mater, a housewares & gift store on State Street.

In her personal time, Masako treasured moments spent with her family, especially over many shared, delicious meals. She looked forward to her yearly vacations in Las Vegas, where she was often found enjoying her favorite "Rich Little Piggies" slot machine. Her warmth, dedication, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Masako is survived by her loving husband, Kuni, her two daughters, Karen(Tom) and Janet (Gordon), and her three cherished grandchildren, Keiana, Alana, and Lucy.

In lieu of flowers, donations to a worthy non-profit are suggested. As an immigrant & newcomer to Madison, Masako found wonderful connections through a group called International Wives. Many of those she met would become lifelong friends. There is a current organization, Madison International Partners, that fulfills a similar mission. “To provide international students, visiting scholars, immigrants, refugees and their families with a sense of welcome and belonging in the Madison area.” If you would like to donate in honor of Masako, you can do so at: www.internationalmadison.org/donate.

Unforgettable
That's what you are
Unforgettable
Though near or far
Like a song of love that clings to me
How the thought of you does things to me
Never before has someone been more
Unforgettable
In every way
And forevermore
That's how you'll stay
That's why, darling, it's incredible
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am unforgettable, too.

(I.Gordon and N Riddle for Nat King Cole)