Residents ofMorgan Hill, CA

Kikuko “Kiki” Nakauchi, affectionately known as Mrs. N, passed from this life at the age of 93. A long-time resident of Morgan Hill, California, Kiki left a lasting impact on all who knew her, whether as a cousin, aunt, friend, teacher, or mentor. Her passion for education and dedication to serving her community inspired generations of students and colleagues alike.

Born May 10, 1931, in Anacortes, Wash., to Kijiro & Ito Okawa, Kiki was the elder sister of Kimiko (Kawahara), who preceded her in death. Her parents, who were first-generation Japanese immigrants, and the girls were sent to the Tule Lake Detention Camp in 1942 during World War II. Following their internment, the family resettled in Gilroy, where Kiki would later build a life centered on education and service.

In 1963, Kiki married Yoshimi Nakauchi after meeting at Westley United Methodist Church, and together they made their home in Morgan Hill. She earned her degree from San Jose State University and dedicated most of her teaching career to Live Oak High School. From 1957 to 2012, she taught various business courses. She served as the longtime advisor and chairwoman of the school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter, earning the affectionate title of “Mrs. FBLA.” Even after retiring, she remained an active volunteer, continuing to uplift students and her community.

Kiki’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, leadership, and compassion. Her contributions as an educator and mentor shaped countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on her students and the Morgan Hill community Yoshimi “Yosh” Nakauchi, a beloved member of the Morgan Hill community, passed from this life on January 31, 2025, just shy of his 101st birthday. A devoted husband, he and Kiki shared sixty-three wonderful years. His love and loyalty to her were evident to the very end, as he followed her in passing just days after her departure.

Born in Hanford, California, to first-generation Japanese immigrants Sayoshi and Tosie Nakauchi, Yosh was the second eldest of five children. His only surviving sibling is his sister, Tamiko Mimura. Like many Japanese American families during World War II, the Nakauchis were forcibly relocated to the Jerome Internment Camp in Arkansas.

Determined to pursue higher education, Yosh attended Washington University in St.

Louis before transferring to the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1960. He went on to work as apharmacist for Thrifty Drugs (now Rite-Aid) for 25years before retiring in1985.

Yosh deeply loved nature, gardening, tending to his fish in the pond, and cooking.

His vegetable garden produced vibrant tomatoes and green beans, and his flower garden flourished under his careful attention. He also enjoyed fishing and took great pride in maintaining his home.

Yosh and Kiki shared a passion for travel and community service. He was a constant presence in Kiki’s work with FBLA, always lending a helping hand during community service projects and food distribution drives.

ALife ofLove, Service, and Legacy Kiki and Yosh were devoted members of Westley Methodist Church in San Jose and deeply valued their faith and community. They leave behind family members, including Tamiko Mimura (Hanford, CA) and her family, niece Diane Tyndell (Plymouth, Michigan) and her family, and cousin Mieko Okawa (Tokyo, Japan), along with numerous other nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Their legacy is one of service, kindness, and dedication, and they will forever be cherished by those whose lives they touched. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025,11:00 AM at the Morgan Hill United Methodist Church, 17175 Monterey Rd., followed by a reception. Inurnment Gavilan Hills Memorial Park, Gilroy.