Chika Kuroiwa O'Donnell

Born and raised in Suzaka, Japan, Chika attended Temple University in Tokyo to focus on English-based studies after graduating high school. She then moved to New York City where she obtained a psychology degree from The City University of New York. After she was married, she decided to pursue a new career in Occupational Therapy, and obtained a Master’s degree from Columbia University. As an O.T., she was a compassionate caregiver who helped others lead better lives amidst difficult times.

Chika met her husband Brian as a matter of sheer fate in Astoria, Queens. They fell in love and were married in 2003. They moved to Houston in 2007 to be closer to family, and to start their own. They raised two beautiful children together in Katy for nearly 13 years. In the final phase of her life, Chika took time away from occupational therapy to focus on raising her children, and volunteering at their school activities.

Chika was an independent, kind, gentle free spirit. She had a brilliant sense of humor, playfully laughing away the absurdities of life – in a gentle and loving manner. She was brave and strong, from moving to NYC at the age of 19, to learning how to drive in the US on the freeways of Houston, to the courageous manner in which she faced her last days. A former high school tennis player, she was quietly competitive, something Brian first noticed when she refused to go bowling with him when they were dating. More recently, she was spotted filming her son’s pitching mechanics with a discerning eye, keen to see continued improvement.

It cannot be overstated that Chika was loved by everyone who knew her. She developed deep friendships quickly, many sparked by her ever-present, warm and inviting smile. She was proud of her Japanese heritage and shared her culture with those who knew little about it. She was equally proud of the life she created in America, and was immediately welcomed and loved by all members of the O’Donnell family. It was a love built upon her kindness, genuine nature, and care for others.

Above all, Chika was a dedicated wife and mother – roles that are impossible to fully capture in these words. She both loved and tolerated her husband from nearly the first day they met, and she provided two amazingly special children, gifts for which he will be forever grateful. Chika absolutely adored her kids, Fiona and Sean. She gave them unquestionable love, and was always present for them. She tailored her love and presence to match their common interests. With Fiona, it was perpetual discussions about food, or shopping for food, or cooking food, or watching Food Network. With Sean, it was a common love of Legos, and watching with pride his athletic successes (especially baseball). Saturday nights were often movie night and snuggle time with both. These experiences and others were shaped by affection, silliness, and laughter.

Chika was the true bedrock of her family, and is deeply missed. She was preceded in death by her mother, Yoko Ide Kuroiwa of Obuse, Japan; and her father-in-law, H. Patrick O’Donnell of Katy, TX. She is survived by her husband Brian and children Fiona and Sean of Katy, TX; her father Keikichi Kuroiwa of Suzaka, Japan; sisters Kazumi Kuroiwa of Suzaka, Japan, and Rie Kuroiwa of Tokyo, Japan, Chika is also survived by her mother-in-law, Jane O’Donnell of Katy, TX; her sister-in-law Erin O’Donnell and husband Eduardo Young of Hattiesburg, MS; her sister-in-law, Kay O’Donnell and husband Dustin Coleman of Houston; her sister-in-law, Elizabeth O’Donnell Will of Mobile, AL; nephews Max Coleman and Noah Will; and the rest of the O’Donnell family, who loved her as a daughter, aunt, cousin, or niece. She also leaves behind her two beloved dogs, Cosmo and Rudy.

A memorial gathering for Chika will be held Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd. in Katy, Texas. A memorial service will follow at 10:30am, followed by a light lunch. She will then be laid to rest at Forest Park Southwest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Chika’s memory can be made to: CAMO (https://www.camorescue.com/donate) or Sepsis Alliance (https://www.sepsis.org/)