Obituary of Keiko Morgan

Keiko (Kawamura) Morgan 

October 5, 1935 - January 11, 2023

Keiko was born in Sakhalin, a region of Japan that would eventually be turned over to Russia by force. Her life began as a charmed one, but the Russo-Japanese conflict resulted in her and her family emigrating to Japan’s northern island, Hokkaido, where she spent the rest of her childhood with a loving family but albeit smaller means. She was formally educated, including adeptness in flower arranging, tailoring, and mathematics. 

In 1956, her brother introduced her to William H. Morgan, the man who would become her husband on March 1, 1957. By 1958, Keiko and William began traveling the world together - William as an Airman in the USAF, and Keiko as homemaker and mother to their six children. They lived in Japan, Maine, Texas, Florida, Idaho, Colorado, Panama, and Arizona. They eventually settled and retired in Tucson, AZ.  Even though her husband once jokingly said that as newlyweds Keiko could “burn water,” she quickly became a talented cook and even served as a chef in one of Tucson’s first Japanese restaurants. She was a loving wife and mother. 

Keiko was a talented singer, expert seamstress and crocheter, recreational bowler, and dabbled in fishing and archery. But perhaps the gift she is most known for is her nurturing and loving nature - especially with babies and children. Her warmth and tenderness could sooth the fussiest infant and often established her as second mother to any kid in the neighborhood.  Her love has been felt, and still is being felt by the community - everyone knows they would feel welcomed at Keiko’s house. She passed away peacefully at the hospice facility, Casa de la Luz, in Tucson, AZ after a long battle with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and arthritis.

Keiko was preceded in death by her parents Ryoji and Shina Kawamura; her husband William Morgan; her brothers Ryuichi Kawamura, Haruo Kawamura, Shigemi Kawamura; her sister Kazuko Omato; and grandsons Gary McGaha and Tony Pena.

She is survived by her siblings Ryosuke Kawamura, Yasuko Kawamura, and Kuniko Sannomiya; her children Janet Morgan, Joice McGuire (Michael), Donald Morgan (Mariluz), Michael Morgan (Deborah), David Morgan (Jodi), and Margaret McLaughlin (Bret); her grandchildren Jessica Hempel (Andrew), Tiffany Nishibun (Shane), Melanie Jones, Shauna Martin (John), Drew Morgan (Jacob), Sean Morgan (Jessica), Kane Morgan, Jeffrey Morgan (Cecilia), Brandon Morgan (Alexa), Lindsey Morgan (Mia), Kristina McGaha (Justin), Sarah Berry (Jonathan), Breanna Pena, Alexis Morgan, Zachary Morgan, Siena Morgan, and Dominic Morgan; and many great grandchildren.

She is greatly loved and missed by all who knew her. She touched so many lives in a beautiful way.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 11:30am at the VFW Post 549, 8424 E. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85710.