Keiko Sato

Keiko, who started learning piano at age 5, grew up in Osaka, Japan, and moved to the U.S. in 1989 to study piano at Mount Union College. She then transferred to Kent State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance in 1994. Keiko taught piano privately and at Kent State Stark Campus and had a number of students who loved her passionate guidance. She also played piano at Sunday services at Mount Zion Community Church for 15 years. As she fought through her illness, she managed to acquire a master’s degree in Piano Performance and Collaborative Piano at Kent State University in 2022. Keiko was an energetic and inspiring individual who touched the hearts of everyone she knew. Keiko is survived by her partner, Robert Dean White, who devoted himself to taking care of Keiko during her treatment, and by his family members, including Alicia and Darryl Russ, who stood by Keiko’s side. She is also survived by many close friends who will dearly miss her big smile, her compassionate thoughtfulness, and her bursting energy that brightened the entire space around her.

A memorial service for Keiko will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home, at 5000 Everhard Road NW in Canton, Ohio, at 11:00 am. Flowers are accepted at the funeral home, as Keiko loved flowers. Those who are not able to attend the service may visit from 10:30 am to 11:00 am.