Announcing the Death of
Chieko N. Okazaki

We are sad to report that Chieko Okazaki, Vice-Chair of the International Children's Reading Foundation Board of Directors, died of congestive heart failure on August 1, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah.  A distinguished educator and family advocate, Chieko provided staunch leadership and unfailing encouragement for the Reading Foundation's mission.

In 2003, Chieko founded The Children's Reading Foundation of Utah and served as its president until her death.  Governor Olene Walker provided space for the Reading Foundation in her offices.  Today it thrives under the leadership of a top-notch Board who are dedicated to honoring Chieko's legacy.

As a former elementary school principal, Chieko knew firsthand the vital importance of reading mastery.  She was passionate about parents reading with their children, schools assuring students gain grade-level reading skills, and community members volunteering to tutor struggling students.

A vibrant and gifted public speaker and author, Chieko reached out to a wide variety of audiences worldwide -- including educators, elected officials, families, religious leaders, and students.  She advocated that, "Sucess for children starts in the home when parents understand that the most important 20 minutes of their day is spent reading with their child."

Board Chair, Dr. Paul Rosier, commented, "We will miss Chieko.  She was a very knowledgeable and thoughtful person.  She provided our Board with excellent advice and insights.  She did this work because of her commitment to children and the realization that every child has the right to a quality education and life.  She understood that learning to read by third grade is a key threshold to a child having a successful education."

"It was a tremendous honor and blessing to have the influence of Chieko Okazaki's brilliant mind and energy guiding our work," said Nancy Kerr, CRF President.  "Her influence and contributions to The Children's Reading Foundation will be long remembered and appreciated.  We express our deepest sympathy to her dear family and many friends."

Kerr will represent The Children's Reading Foundation board, international staff, Chapters and READY! programs at Mrs. Okazaki's funeral August 10.