Jeri Kaita, 57, of Gilroy passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018, at Stanford Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family, and close friend Cat Tachibana.
She was born on May 9, 1961 in Honolulu, Hawaii to Shigeto and Helen Narikawa, the third of four children. She attended Aiea High School in Aiea, Hawaii. Being the trailblazer that she was, she moved to California to follow her dreams. She had a successful career as a software engineer in the Bay Area.
Jeri was an avid golfer, bowler, and enjoyed martial arts. She was also an amazing cook and a BBQ master. She will be remembered for her wit and sparkling personality.
Jeri was happily married for 22 years and is survived by her loving husband, Bruce Kaita and son, Grant; father, Shigeto Narikawa of Hawaii; her sisters, Lynn (Willard) Lee of Hawaii, and Jodi Hirai of Arizona; her brother Neal (Lyann) Narikawa of Hawaii; sisters-in-law Judy (Shig) Tokubo of Newark, Maxine (George) Nakamura of Sunnyvale, Elaine (Gino) Abad of Fremont, Louise (Lyman) Lum of Sacramento, and Barbara (Bob) Shingai of Watsonville; hānai sister Cat (Dean) Tachibana of Hawaii; and hānai grandsons Brody and Rylan Bryan of San Jose. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
At Jeri’s request, no services will be held; instead a celebration of life will be held at a future date. Arrangements have been entrusted in the care of Mehl’s Colonial Chapel.
