Remembering Yoko

With broken hearts, we share the passing of Yoko Kono, a long-time pillar of the Hands4Hope community. Yoko has been with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference since nearly the beginning of the organization; first as a volunteer with her three sons, and then as a staff member, for a total of 15 years. Yoko was an invaluable part of Hands4Hope’s journey, leading and growing our Outreach Program with compassion, intelligence, and care.

Yoko was truly a special person; a bright light in this world. She gave so much of herself to her community, and her steadfast thoughtful leadership left a lasting impact on countless lives. No matter the setting or the project, Yoko made everyone around her feel seen, supported, and valued, her empathy for others was genuine and deeply felt. She formed meaningful bonds with staff, adult volunteers, and the many youth she mentored and loved so dearly, and she was loved deeply in return.

Hands4Hope staff are compiling a memory book for Yoko’s family. If you would like to participate by sharing your message about Yoko's impact on you, a touching or funny anecdote, memory, words or a quote, please email us by Monday, February 2 to receive our form link.

Our hearts are with the Kono family during this time of unimaginable grief, and with all who had the tremendous blessing of knowing and loving Yoko.