Chieko “Sunny” TanishitaDurham, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully at 91 on September 29, 2024, with her devoted husband by her side. Born in Hokkaido Japan on February 24, 1933, Chieko-san’s life journey took her throughout Japan and after marrying John in Tokyo they moved to San Diego, CA and later to Oak Harbor, WA, where she supported John’s Naval career and they enjoyed exploring the country together. Chieko had many family friends and worked as an interpreter and excelled as a team manager in the fish processing industry. She was known for her kindness, leadership, and devoted service. Chieko cherished the outdoors, spending countless hours tending to her Japanese garden. She is survived by her husband John, her brother Katsutoshi Tanishita, and nephews Jun Tanishita and Takao Shimazaki with their families. Preceded in death by her parents Fukumatsu and Shinayo Tanishita, two brothers, four sisters, sons William Tetsuho and John Katsutoshi, and cherished fur babies FiFi, Nana, and Shiro. Chieko’s memory will be celebrated on November 16th at Wallin Stuckey Funeral Home in Oak Harbor at 11am with a short service and an open-house with hors d’oeurves and drinks. Her ashes will remain with John until they reunite with their sons in San Diego.