Carolyn K. Takeshita

Carolyn Kiyomi Takeshita, sansei  born on June 2, 1937 in Los Angeles, California to Thomas and Nellie (Funakoshi) Yano. Her family removed to Poston Concentration Camp in Arizona, and resettled in Denver, Colorado, after World War II.  Later moved to Boyle Heights neighbor of Los Angeles in 1950. Returned to Colorado and attended high school and college in Denver.

Carolyn was an influential force in the beginning of the formation of the Japanese American Research Center of Colorado (JARCC) in 2008. Her contributions are too numerous to mention, but three major projects were the Denver-Agricultural Research Project (Brighton, Ft Lupton, Platteville and several other areas), the Denver Mapping Project: Larimer Street Project 1945-1950, and an original founder of the Japanese American Women’s Quilt Project, 1993-5. JARCC is thankful for the meaningful and lasting contributions of Carolyn. JARCC continues to honor her legacy as truly one of the most influential leaders within the Japanese community. She was an accomplished speech pathologist and educator.

Carolyn is survived by her children Cindi Nagai and Timothy Takeshita. Proceeded in death by her husband Mickey. Mickey and Carolyn have been laid to rest at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado.

A tribute was held March 1, 2026 at the Newman Concert Hall on Denver University Campus.