Chizuko Ishimatsu

Chizuko Ishimatsu passed away at the age of 102 on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 4:00 a.m. in Bountiful, Utah. Chizuko was born on February 8, 1921, in Soldier Summit, Utah to Otoichiro Ishimatsu and Fujie Sakata.
Chizuko was preceded in death by her parents, Otoichiro Ishimatsu and Fujie Sakata; brothers Harry Ishimatsu, Frank Ishimatsu; sisters Tomiye Ishimatsu, June (Tadashi) Kimoto, Yoshiko Ishimatsu, and nephew, Jeff Kimoto.
Chizuko was known for her kindness, generosity, fun-loving nature, sharp mind, hard-work, and service to others. She was very witty, funny, and quick with a joke. She loved snow skiing, reading, golfing, knitting, and collecting Japanese wood block prints. She was loved and will be missed by many.
Chizuko traveled extensively including but not limited to Japan, Hong Kong, Macao, Ceylon, India, Pakistan, Malaya, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Guam, and the Hawaiian Islands.
Chizuko received her Bachelor of Arts and Science from St. Mary-of-the-Wasatch. Later she attended the University of Illinois where she received her librarian degree. She was chief librarian with the Air Force as a civil-service employee in the Japan-Korea area for four years. She was the head cataloger of the Oregon College of Education. Chizuko also worked as the librarian at the University of California, San Francisco; and the University of Utah. She was a member of both the Alpine Club and the Utah Library Association. Chizuko also worked as a clerk for the government.
Chizuko and her sister Tomiye were very active in the Nichiren Buddhist church and in the Buddhist Women’s Association and wrote articles for their newsletters. Chizuko and Tomiye supported the Buddhist church’s activities and fundraising. Chizuko and Tomiye lovingly looked after each other in their later years.
Chizuko also served in these various organizations: President of St. Mary-of-the-Wasatch Honorary Society; Utah Advisory Committee, for the Salt Lake City area; President of the Sugar House Business and Professional Women’s Club; Commission Member for The Governor’s Commission on the Status of Women; First Vice President of the Salt Lake Chapter, Japanese American Citizens League.
Chizuko is survived by her sister-in-law JoAn Ishimatsu, nephew Kit (Darylee) Ishimatsu, nieces Susan (Michael) Grisby, Barbara Ishimatsu, Karen Ishimatsu, and Tammy Ishimatsu. Also great nephews and nieces Christopher Ishimatsu, Emily (Gabriel) Atkinson, and Erik (Alyssa) Ishimatsu. And great great nephew and niece Liam Atkinson and Cecelia Atkinson.
Special thanks to:
Solstice Hospice and their wonderfully kind and thoughtful Nurses, CNA’s, Chaplain, and upper management. Thank you for helping Chizuko in her last hours on earth.
Legacy House of Bountiful and all their amazing Nurses, Med Tech’s, CNA’s, and staff. Thank you David and Liz for allowing Chizuko to come and be in such a peaceful and beautiful place.
Rocky Mountain Hunter Hollow and their Rehab team and staff. Thank you for caring for her and helping her become stronger and more independent. Thank you Joseph Franz for all your help.
Angie Wilcox, Sidney Ross, and Brenna Hardy. Your kindness, thoughtfulness, extra attention, fun, and laughter will always be remembered.
Troy Watanabe and his years and years of love and kindness to the entire Ishimatsu family.
There are many people who have been kind and served Chizuko over the years. We thank you for every kindness and thoughtful act you gave her.
Services:  Chizuko Ishimatsu’s graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Her grave is located in the Salt Lake City Cemetery in the North Plat. Approximately 925 East 11th Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT. It is on the north side of 11th Avenue