Keiko Suzuki Nishimaru

October 2, 2022

CHARLOTTE – Keiko Suzuki Nishimaru, 87, of Charlotte, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 2, 2022.

Born in Tochigi-ken, Japan, Keiko was one of seven children born to Teitaro and Hana Suzuki. A star softball pitcher at Oyama High School, she graduated from nursing school in Utsunomiya, which she attended on a full government scholarship.  After passing the national nursing examination to become a registered nurse, she also graduated in the top of her class at the Kanagawa Prefectural School of Hygiene and Nursing for post-graduate studies and received her public health nurse and midwife licenses.  She was the first person from her prefecture to earn them.  Keiko also became the first woman in her prefecture to receive a driver’s license.  Upon graduating from Kanagawa Kenritsu Eisei, she worked for several years at Asahicho Elementary School in Kanagawa.

Married to a textile executive for 26 years, she had two daughters, both born in Japan.  Moving her young family to Charlotte from Tokyo at age 36, she immersed herself in American culture and society.  The Nishimaru's were the first Japanese family to move to the Queen City, establishing Keiko as a leader of what became a growing Japanese expat community.  She cooked and shared Japanese vegetables and foods to encourage and inspire younger families moving to Charlotte from Japan, particularly those expressing homesickness.  She also enjoyed growing vegetables year-round as an avid gardener and sharing the produce with neighbors and friends.

Keiko knitted and sewed most of her own clothing.  She had a curious mind, diving into whatever interested her in order to perfect it, from golf, crocheting, crafts, cooking, canning to ballroom dancing.  Keiko was always first on the dance floor, usually to dance, but often to teach, as well.  She walked the trails of her neighborhood for years.  Keiko took swim then later fitness lessons until the pandemic kept her at home.  She consistently surprised her physical and occupational therapists with her ability to putt holes-in-one and to make practically all her bean bag tosses.  

As anyone who knew her would testify, Keiko’s greatest loves were her children and grandchildren.  They gave her joy, laughter, pride, and purpose.  She spoiled her four grandchildren, of whom she was so very proud.  To cheer on her grandchildren, she attended years, even decades of recitals, games, dance performances, and closing ceremonies.

Keiko is survived by her two daughters, Emiko Nishimaru Vanderlip and her husband, David of Weddington and Hisayo Carroll and her husband, Brian of Rome, Ga.; four grandchildren, Ashley Hana Vanderlip Smith and her husband, Porter of Charlotte, Hannah Carroll Cleland and her husband, Will of Greer, S.C., Sarah Carroll of Durham, NC, and Mary Arden Carroll of Palm Beach Gardens, FL.  Also surviving are her four great-grandchildren, Steele Smith, Kierin Smith, Renn Cleland and Liam Cleland.  She was predeceased by her parents and several siblings.

A private family service will be held at Holden Beach at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the healthcare professionals at Brookdale Carriage Club Providence and Atrium Health CMC, her private caregivers, loving neighbors of 30 years, and lifetime friends who loved her well.

Memorials may be offered in memory of Keiko to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (https://www.alz.org/).

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Barbara Devinney

    I'm honored to have had Keiko as my next-door neighbor for the past six years. She's been a wonderful role model for enjoying life -- and gardening -- to the fullest. I will miss her warm and generous heart.