Paula Miyuki Kawa
March 16, 1950 - May 5, 2022
Paula Miyuki Kawa (nee Takagi) lost her battle with chronic illness on May 5th, 2022 at the age of 72. She was surrounded by loved ones when she peacefully passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Throughout her life Paula’s loving spirit drew people in, resulting in long lasting relationships that spanned decades. The unconditional love and support she showed for family and friends was one of her most endearing qualities. Ultimately, her most cherished role was of “Grammy” to her three wonderful grandchildren.
Paula had a unique and impeccable sense of style that could be exhibited through her careers as both a hair stylist and sales in home furnishings. These careers were people-centric which contributed to her ever-growing circle of friends. Additionally, she was a very skilled seamstress and enjoyed sharing this talent by creating figure skating dresses, clothing and Halloween costumes for her daughter and grandchildren.
She filled her life with great memories including her favorite activities such as bowling, boating, skiing and just gathering with great friends and eating good food. It was at those times her love and talent for cooking and food presentation was most evident.
She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Ryan Johnston, and her beloved grandchildren, Bentley, Max, and Gabe, her mother Nancy Takagi (Hachisuka), her brother Gary Takagi (Janice) and her sisters Marci Rosenlof (Richard-deceased) and Teresa Takagi (David).
Preceded in death by her father, Tami Takagi, brothers Kevin and Michael, and former husband Glen Kawa.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Monday, May 16, 2022 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of the building. Graveside service will be on Tuesday, May 17th 2022 at 11:00am at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy UT 84092.
Paula’s family and friends mourn the loss of this one-of-a-kind angel on earth, and she will be dearly missed by all.
In Loving Memory
I will always remeber that Paula lived her life with "Kindness of Heart", which was not an emotion, feeling, or action, but her way of life. She always had an infectiously positive attitude and smile on her face. She will be missed. Love you Paula. Keep on smiling on your new journey.
Aaron A Gray
Sandy, UT
Paula was a special and kind human. Whenever I visited as a child, she always made me feel so welcome and loved. I will remember her fondly and send my deepest condolences to the family. She will be deeply missed.
Lindsay Morgan (Hull)
Longmont, CO
Will miss your smile. Sending my Love and Aloha!
GLENN FONG
HONOLULU, HI
Stephanie and family, I was so saddened to hear of Paula's passing. She was a gem if a person. So glad to have known her and had the pleasure of working with her all the years we had together. She always had a kind word. So sorry for your loss. Take care of your hearts and each other through this difficult time and know she will always be with you. Love, Sheila Ju
Sheila Ju
Sandy, UT