Ayako Knight

April 9, 1929 – April 19, 2025

Surrounded by her family, Ayako Knight, 96, peacefully passed away at home on April 19, 2025.  Affectionately known as Aichan, Aiko, Bachan, and, of course, Mom.

Ayako was predeceased by her husband Edward, her father Utaro, her mother Tomiyo, and youngest sister Kiyoko.

She leaves to cherish her memory as a loving mother, her children, Susan and Anthony (Lynn); her grandchildren, Marisa (Joshua) and Krystal; great granddaughter, Remi; her siblings: Setsuko, Yoriko, Seiichi, Keiko, Hiroyuki; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She had a lifetime full of wonderful adventures.

Ayako was one of seven children. She enjoyed being part of a large family and regularly recounted fond memories of her siblings and cousins in Hokkaido. Very conscientious early on in her life, she was always helpful and indispensable to her mother. She loved learning and working at her father's side at every possible opportunity.

Ayako was an extremely intelligent, adventurous, creative woman.

Her exceptional memory and voracious appetite for learning meant she was never without a book and developed many talents. As a youth, her intrepid spirit had her foraging in the woods with her grandmother, climbing mountains to ski back down with her father, including jumps and cross country.

In school, Ayako continued to excel in both academic and athletic pursuits. She won Kyudo tournaments, studied Kendo and learned to play several instruments, including the koto, piano, flute and harmonica. A gifted seamstress, she was proficient in pattern making and alterations since childhood.  Her creative pursuits took on new forms as an adult. She performed for many years with her Traditional Japanese dance troupe at seasonal festivals and stage shows.

Always industrious, hardworking and meticulous. She was recognized for her excellent work as a surgical technician and later as an anesthesiology technician while employed at Deborah Heart and Lung Center.

In her later years, she continued her educational pursuits at the local Senior Center, taking computer courses and even teaching an origami class. She stayed connected to her culture despite moving to a different country.

She was married to the love of her life, Edward, for 39 years.  As a military family, they explored many countries together with their children, and she learned to speak several languages before they settled in New Jersey. She continued to travel throughout her life, taking regular trips with her family to see many natural wonders and landmarks. Never to be missed, was her favorite annual springtime cherry blossom viewing.

Because of how much she loved her family and friends, her hands were never idle. She was constantly cooking, gardening, knitting, and crocheting. Many beautiful gifts she made by hand continue to be cherished and worn with pride and fond memories.

She is greatly missed and will be forever in our hearts.

Memories and condolences may be shared @ancscremation.com