Hiroko Knighten

Hiroko was the oldest of two daughters born to Tatsuyuki and Shoko Ariji. She and her sister Yuki attended a private Christian girl's school in Kanagawa prefecture. Her interests were English, tennis and rugby. After high school she attended a two year technical school and earned a degree in office administration. She then took a job working for K-Line shipping in Kawasaki, Japan. After ten years with K-Line Hiroko decided to turn over a new leaf and travel to America to study English. While attending an introductory course in English during the summer quarter at Seattle University she met her future husband James "Jim" Knighten who was also studying during the summer to earn a computer science degree. Over the summer their relationship grew and by October of 1990 they were engaged. They were married on August 24, 1991. After Jim graduated in 1992 they moved to Tokyo where Jim took a job working for Toshiba. On April 3, 1993 their first daughter Kristin "Aki" was born at Tokaidai University Hospital in Kanagawa. Being mostly head, Aki's delivery was difficult, but she was happy and healthy none the less. Twenty two months later on January 11, 1995 a second daughter, Grace "Yuri" was born. She was also delivered at Tokadai Hospital. The delivery was much easier (smaller head). The Knighten's moved back to America in November 1996. They lived in the Manette neighborhood of east Bremerton for four years while Jim worked in downtown Seattle. Hiroko was a full time mother during these years while Aki and Yuri grew into their grade school years. In August of 2000 the Knighten's moved to Gig Harbor, WA to be closer to Jim's job. Aki and Yuri began grade school at Discovery Elementary. In 2001, inspired by Aki and Yuri's kindergarten years in a Montessori School, Hiroko decided to get her Montessori teaching certificate. She attended the training at Spring Valley Montessori in Federal Way, WA. She was an exceptional student and gained a position there after earning her teaching certificate. She taught Kindergarten at Spring Valley for five years and was loved and respected by her students, their parents and her coworkers. She was known for patience and commitment to her students. In 2007 Hiroko decided to work closer to home in Gig Harbor. She began slinging subs for the Subway on Kymbal Drive. Again loved by all as a model employee and helpful coworker. In response to the ailing health of her parents in Japan, Hiroko earned her Certified Nurse's Assistant (CNA) certificate in 2011 and started working in eldercare at The Lodge in Gig Harbor. Aki began attending Western Washington University while Yuri was attending the Tacoma School of the Arts. In 2013 Hiroko was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The news was tough on the family but she went through seven months of surgeries and chemo therapy with grace and dignity. Unfortunately the cancer refused to remit and she endured another 7 months of chemo therapy in 2014. All seemed well until July 2015. After two trips to Tacoma General she was sent home to live out her remaining time with friends and family. Immediately her family and friends came from around the globe to be with her. She was never alone or without love in the remaining days of her life. Hiroko will be missed for all the wonderful things she brought to the lives of those who knew her. Amongst our grief is an overwhelming sense of gratitude to have known her. We will do our best to practice the love and kindness that she taught us. May God bless and keep this beautiful woman until we meet again.