Diane Kay Sunada, 52

Diane Kay Sunada died from heart complications Oct. 10 at Harborview Medical Center. She was 52.

She was born Feb. 8, 1957 in Boise, Idaho, but grew up with two brothers in Colorado.

In 1976, she moved from Bronco country to the Pacific Northwest where she attended the University of Puget Sound.

She moved with her family to Bainbridge Island in 1989. There she became actively involved in several community organizations such as the Bainbridge Island Japanese-American Community, the Densho Project, the Nisei Guild, as well as the Bainbridge Island PTA.

She could often be found yelling from the sidelines at her daughters’ sporting events, or baking up an extra batch of cookies for a fund-raiser. She was a fierce football fan, as well as a member of the Knit-Wits knitting circle. She had a great passion for the culinary arts, and could lecture all on the finer nuances of a bar of chocolate.

Diane was deeply devoted to her friends, co-workers, and family. Her laughter was infectious, and her smile always genuine.

She is survived by two daughters, Midori and Charli Hamilton, as well as many who just called her “Mom”.

Her favorite charities were PAWS and Taste of the Nation. A memorial service and reception will be announced at a later date.