Carolyn Kojima
Carolyn Aiko Kojima (August 10, 1944 – June 1, 2025)—beloved sister, treasured aunt, loyal friend, known by most as simply, Aiko or Aunty Aiko. Born in Kalamazoo, MI, Aiko lived most of her life in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood and 40+ years in a 6-flat “Byron” building that she owned and maintained with a slew of loyal tenants over the years. The oldest of 10 siblings, Aiko was a natural leader, fierce protector, and a hard worker; often working multiple jobs both out of necessity and because she loved to stay busy. Her work spanned various industries including healthcare and social services, retiring in 2016 from Lawrence Hall after 25+ years of service.
Between shifts, she maintained a very active social life with many close friends who were more like family. An avid golfer, Aiko enjoyed teeing off with a group of ladies for nearly 40 years at courses near and far—her favorite course, Kapalua Resort in Maui, was her happy place. As a long-time member of Na Kupuna Ukulele Club of Chicago, Aiko loved playing ukulele and dancing hula at countless gigs across Chicagoland and Hawaii. They brought the Aloha spirit wherever they went. On many getaways to Las Vegas, Aiko frequented “old Vegas” for Hawaiian eats, casual gambling, and of course, catching up with old friends.
Aiko took up various creative hobbies, such as Ikebana, (Japanese flower arranging), Japanese doll making, glass blowing, and jewelry making. And she was always taking her nieces and nephews on adventures, whether to a golf course, sporting event, Broadway show, or a night out on the town—Aiko brought the fun and made true the sentiment: actions speak louder than words.
Her love of Japanese and Hawaiian culture influenced her style and her cooking. She was known for cooking sukiyaki to an open house of friends and family who passed through her apartment on New Year’s Day.
Aiko lived fully in her 80+ years. She loved Jesus, her family, and her friends. We celebrate that she is at rest and has been reunited with her Savior and loved ones, even while we miss her irreplaceable presence here. We’ll miss her laugh and her stories. She had the best stories.
Aiko is preceded in death by Yoshiye Lucille Prosise, mother, Ellyn Prosise, sister and survived by her siblings: Robert (Joyce) Prosise, William (Lois) Prosise, Phyllis (Wilson) Chow, Donna Picerno, Roger (Ellen) Prosise, Patricia (Paul) Kawaguchi, Annette (Frank) Keyser, Linda (David) Donovan and nearly 30 nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Shriners Hospital and Church of Christ Presbyterian, Chicago.