In Memory of Chiemi Tanaka

In Memory of Chiemi Tanaka

Chiemi Tanaka

Spouse: Yasuhisa Tanaka
Children: Shiho and Reina
Birthdate: June 9, 1969
Blessing: August 25, 1995
Ascension: June 7, 2021

Chiemi Tanaka was born on June 9, 1969 in Iwakuni, a town in Yamaguchi, Japan. She was the middle child of Hideo and Mieko Kimura, with an older sister and younger brother.

While growing up in Iwakuni, Chiemi enjoyed singing songs with Karaoke. She even won a prize at a Karaoke festival. She was also on the basketball team in high school. Chiemi moved to live on her own after being admitted to Yokohama National University studying Biology. She was then introduced to CARP and decided to join the FFWPU Japan.

Following the guidance of True Parents to the Japanese missionaries at the time, after graduating from Yokohama National University, Chiemi moved to America and attended a 40-day workshop before going to the University of Bridgeport to study English. There she met her husband, Yasuhisa Tanaka, and was matched with him. Chiemi received the Marriage Blessing with Yasuhisa on August 25, 1995 as part of the 360,000 Couples group. After graduating the University of Bridgeport, Chiemi attended Unification Theological Seminary together with her husband.

Chiemi returned to Japan and worked as a teacher and sales assistant for a few years, as well as enthusiastically participated in the evangelistic efforts of CARP. While in Japan her first daughter, Shiho Tanaka was born. Chiemi later moved back to America to join her husband in supporting the ministry of the Brooklyn Church. It was also at this time that her second daughter, Reina was born.

Chiemi was a hard-working and devoted mother, who adored her children, and did everything she could for them. She loved taking photos and videos of her family and friends, cherishing the moments she had with them.

While taking care of her children, Chiemi began to work in New York as a sales assistant and later worked at a dermatology clinic. In 2018 Chiemi was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery. She kept a positive attitude and continued chemotherapy and radiation for a few weeks, and was grateful to start working again in New York after cancer went into remission. However, in 2020, it was discovered that the cancer had spread to Chiemi’s bones and later to her liver. Even though she was in so much pain she tried to stay positive for her friends and loved ones.

Chiemi ascended to the spirit world on June 7, 2021 with her family and friends by her side. She is survived by her husband, Yasuhisa, daughters Shiho and Reina, father, Hideo, and younger brother, Shoichi.

Chiemi will be remembered fondly as a positive and caring person with a compassionate heart who dedicated her life to her family and faith community.

To Join the Chain Prayer

Those who would like are invited to join the chain prayer which will begin 24 hours before the Seonghwa Ceremony. Those participating, please offer prayer and devotions for 1 full hour with HDH, singing Holy songs, etc.

To join the prayer please use this sheet and select one or more time slots in which you would like to pray, and enter your name in the slot. If you have questions or need helping filling in the sheet, please contact Mrs. Yoko Burns at: 917-621-6699

To Offer a Donation

The Tanaka family is very grateful for all the donations that were given by our community members towards Mrs. Tanaka's medical fund prior to her passing. If you would like to offer a donation to support the Tanaka family in covering the costs for the burial services, please click on this gofundme page.

Seonghwa Ceremony

Date: Friday, June 11
Location: Clifton Family Church