Jane Reiko Tateoka Obituary (1949 - 2024)

Jane Reiko (Komatsu) Tateoka passed away March 7, 2024. She was born September 5, 1949, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Kiyoshi and Fumie (Iwasaki) Komatsu, the third of four siblings. Reiko married Norman Kirk Tateoka on May 21, 1977, at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple. Mom attended the University of Utah and then later obtained her paralegal certificate from the University of Phoenix. For over 30 years she worked as a legal secretary for the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office. Mom’s brilliant spirit, radiant smile, and compassionate heart captivated everyone who had the opportunity to know her. And it was her wittiness, impressive sense of humor, and contagious laugh that made everyone love her instantly. Mom’s sole priority in life was her children and their happiness. She and Dad worked tirelessly to make sure Sam and Jenn had every opportunity and always felt loved and supported. Mom may be to blame for Sam’s passion... obsession... for sports. For over 20 years Mom was a proud Utah Jazz season ticket holder and from a young age, Sam, a self-proclaimed “momma’s boy,” began religiously attending games with her. Jenn was Mom’s best friend. Whether it be taking mother-daughter trips, attending Broadway shows, going to concerts, or just spending hours talking on the phone, Mom always knew spending time with Jenn would include laughter and provide comfort. Mom was so proud of the man and woman Sam and Jenn became. Her words, actions, thoughts, and emotions encapsulated the unwavering love she had for them. Mom taught Sam and Jenn the value of unconditional love, respect, and thoughtfulness. She also instilled in them a deep desire to travel and a grand obsession for food. When Sam and Jenn were children, Mom and Dad frequently packed up the motorhome and took Sam and Jenn on adventures; including trips to Flaming Gorge, Vancouver Island, and Coos Bay. When they became empty nesters, Mom and Dad continued to enjoy taking trips together, and after retirement, they traveled to Zions, Redwood National Park, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyon Lands, Goblin Valley, and many, many other places in Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and California. More recently, as a family, she had the opportunity to travel to Japan to celebrate her 70th birthday, visiting Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Tokyo; visited the Japanese American National Museum in LA to see the Ireichō and stamp the names of her parents and siblings; and one of her last trips was a food-filled family weekend trip to one of her favorite places to travel to, Las Vegas. In February 2022, Mom was diagnosed with cancer. Even after receiving the devastating news, she maintained her positive and cheerful attitude. Not surprisingly, she quickly became a favorite patient at Cancer Rehabilitation Center and St. Marks Outpatient Therapy and Rehab. No matter how she was feeling, she was always determined. Her strength, humility, and perseverance is something to be honored above all else. Reiko was predeceased by her loving parents Kiyoshi and Fumie Komatsu. Reiko is survived by her husband Norman of 46 years; beloved children, Sam (Marina) and Jennifer (James); sister and brothers Judy, Seiji (Ruby), and Jun (Amy); many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and her fury grandchildren, Kuro, Kitty, Dex, and Belle. Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to Catherine, Molly, all the staff, and her workout buddies at the Cancer Rehabilitation Center, Dr. Warner from Utah Cancer Specialists, and John from St. Marks Outpatient Therapy and Rehab for the special care given to Mom. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing in Reiko’s honor on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Center, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095.