- Date Of Death: December 29, 2020
- State: Massachusetts
Takako Grace Salvi departed this world peacefully on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 surrounded
by her loving family.
Takako, better known as Taka or Dani to her family and close friends, was born on May 16, 1919
Cantabrigian, she graduated from Cambridge High and Latin School, and was the first Black
nursing student at the Cambridge City Hospital. Taka continued her educational pursuits by
Counseling Education and Community Psychology, and a PhD in Applied Child Development;
and graduating from the MIT Community Fellows Program. Taka went on to work with and
consult for numerous children-centric and community-based organizations in the area, including
Lesley Ellis School, Boston’s Floating Hospital for Children (head nurse), and Boston
University’s Consultation and Education Program. She also served as a long-term Board Member
at the Museum of African American History, and was a founding member of the Cambridge
African American Heritage Alliance.
In 1944, Taka wed Diwaker S. Salvi, lovingly known as Sal and Baba (who passed away in
February 1986). They were married for over 40 years, and together raised three children,
Chandra, Shantu (who passed away in July 1997), and Saru. She enjoyed many personal interests
days on the beach, and traveling with her sisters.
Taka leaves behind to share her memory two daughters, Chandra and Saru; son-in-law Michael
Joseph and daughter-in-law Mary Salvi; sister Sadako; grandchildren Kafi, Wess, Shantu,
Kamala, and Tanika; step-grandchildren Michelle and Stephanie, and 16 great grandchildren.
She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins from her Welford-Woods extended
family.
Taka was an amazing matriarch and role model for her family. She taught them the importance
of education, cultural heritage, and family. She instilled in them the belief that they could reach
the moon, no matter what the rest of the world told them. She was pioneering, tenacious,
steadfast, and a life-long learner. While her educational accomplishments are astounding, what is
most extraordinary is how she positively influenced every life she touched. She will be greatly
missed.
Western Avenue in Cambridge, MA.
Cambridge African American Heritage Alliance.
Historical Society with a note on the memo.
