Takako Burley

Takako "Taka" Burley

July 1, 1934 – February 26, 2025

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Takako Burley, known to all as "Taka," on February 26, 2025, at the age of 90. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of her extraordinary life will be held later, where we will gather to share stories and memories and reflect on the profound impact she had on all who knew her.

Taka was a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend whose love for her family knew no bounds. Fiercely loyal and protective, she was the constant source of strength and support for her loved ones, always saying, "I’ve got your back." Family meant everything to her, and she demonstrated this in everything she did, day in and day out. Taka dedicated herself entirely to her daughters and six grandchildren, offering a lifetime of unconditional love, wisdom, and treasured moments. Whether it was attending sporting events, musicals, art shows, or orchestra concerts, she was there—always cheering on her family with pride and offering life advice to all, often delivered with her trademark humor.

Her personality shone brightly, with memorable sayings like, "Your grandma can drink," or, "I like a margarita, two shots." She would often reassure us with, "Don’t worry about Grandma. I’m tough." She was a nurturing matriarch and a woman of remarkable resilience, wit, and joy.

Born on July 1, 1934, in Kyushu, Japan, Taka grew up in a small farming community. She was the second of five children—three sisters (Yoko, Reiko, Hisako) and one brother (Toshi). She often reminisced about her adventurous childhood, recalling how she and her sister, Reiko, would climb mountains, jump off cliffs with rocks in hand to dive into the ocean for treasures, and gather mussels from the rocks to eat. These memories shaped the vibrant, fearless woman she would become.

In 1965, Taka met her husband, Johnny Burley, while he was stationed in Japan with the U.S. Air Force. They married on November 26 of that year and spent 24 wonderful years together before his passing in 1988. Together, they raised their family in Springfield, Ohio. Her journey to America required incredible courage, leaving behind her homeland and learning a new language and culture. Despite speaking little English when she first arrived, Taka's tenacity led her to master the language by watching TV, and through sheer determination, she obtained U.S. citizenship, a driver's license, and became a licensed beautician. She once shared how challenging cosmetology school was for her due to her limited English skills, but she overcame those obstacles by translating her textbooks from English to Japanese.

Taka was always learning and growing. She taught herself to sew, knit, and crochet, and early on, she lovingly crafted most of her eldest daughter’s clothes. Later in life, Taka took up watercolor painting, focusing on the beauty of nature and flowers. Her work was displayed at art shows, and she even won awards for her paintings. As a talented photographer, she was rarely seen without her camera, capturing family moments, nature’s splendor, and the quiet beauty of the world around her.

Taka's legacy is one of strength, independence, and the unwavering belief that family comes first. She instilled in her daughters the importance of being strong, determined, and self-sufficient women. Her life was a testament to resilience, love, and the power of never giving up.

Taka leaves behind her daughter Monica [Alcue] Williams, son-in-law Randy Jarrell, and six grandchildren: Lindsey Jarrell, Megan Jarrell [Alaa Dakhla], Sarah Jarrell, Tim Williams, Emily Williams, and Zach Williams. Her absence will be deeply felt, but the love she gave us will continue to live on in all of us.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Burley (d. 1988), and her daughter, Alicia Jarrell (d. 2009).

As Morrie Schwartz wisely said, "Death ends a life, not a relationship. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on—in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here."

We will always carry Taka’s love, spirit, and wisdom.