- Date Of Death: October 1, 2022
- State: Connecticut
Tomiko A. Tanabe Knapp, age 96, of Stratford, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away quietly at her home on October 1, 2022 with her loving family by her side. She was born in Fukuoka, Japan, Tomiko was one of six children born to the late Toyoma Tanabe and late Tsuka Koga. Shortly after high school, Tomiko met her husband of 71 years, the late Peter Knapp of Stratford and shared a wonderful military and civilian life together. After moving to the U.S. Tomiko became active in her community. She traveled throughout Fairfield County giving Japanese Ikebana Floral Demonstrations, as well as co-chairing with her husband, The International Scholarship Program at the University of Bridgeport. In 1972 she went on to open Tomiko’s Japanese Restaurant in Stratford for nearly 20 years. Tomiko is survived by her daughter, Patricia Massey and husband, Vincent, grandchildren Akio and Regina Case, Vincent and Caitlin Massey, Peter and Laura Massey, Tomiko Case, Patrick and Jennifer Massey and twelve great grandchildren who loved her dearly. She also leaves behind loving nieces, nephews and family friends.
