Obituary of Michele Eastman Kikuta

Obituary of Michele Eastman Kikuta

Michele Eastman Kikuta of Herndon, Virginia passed away on January 29, 2020.  Born in Yonkers, New York on November 7, 1949, Michele was the daughter of Michael and Martha (Okal) Eastman. 

Michele is survived by her husband of 41 years Miles, their son Michael (Kara) and “Nana” to her grandchildren Ella and Emma. Nana was her name, spoiling was her game. She is also survived by sisters Patricia (Ron) and Karen (Steve), her niece Stephanie and nephews Brian, Eric, Zachary, Kurt, Kyle and Kanoa.

Michele graduated from Commerce High School in Yonkers in 1967, voted the student with the sweetest smile, and Dean Junior College in Franklin, Massachusetts, in 1984.

A resident of Herndon for 31 years, Michele also lived in Yonkers, New York; Chula Vista, California; Bellingham, Massachusetts; and Cherry Hill, New Jersey before moving to Herndon in 1988. 

Michele was well known in her neighborhood as an exceptional baker.  Especially noted for the variety and quality of her Christmas cookies, she brought pleasure and delight to all who sampled her wares.  Michele improved on her grandmothers and mother’s coffee cake and roll cake recipes throughout her many years of baking. Both cakes topped the list of requested bake items from Michele’s kitchen.

Michele was a gentle and kind individual. Her beautiful smile and welcoming aura welcomed many questions from fellow shoppers at the grocery store, the shopping mall or wait rooms in doctor offices. Fellow shoppers and patients seemed to sense Michele would answer their question with a gentle smile and kindness.

Michele adored cruising, having cruised 17 times, on six different cruise lines.  She loved to dress for each meal, taking special delight in making herself prim and proper for formal nights.  Michele enjoyed exercising daily, especially yoga for seniors for several years at the Herndon Community Center.  Her favorite season was Fall, as she liked the bright hues of the changing landscape.  Although the colors of Fall were among her favorites, Michele’s go to color was blue. No matter what shade of blue she would wear, it was no match to her sparkling eyes.  Though she excelled at baking for Christmas, Michele’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving. She rejoiced in preparing all of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes and sharing each with her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.  Interment in Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date.