Kathleen Wu Hayasaka

Kathleen Wu Hayasaka, 70, passed away on December 29, 2016, in Clemson, South Carolina.  Kathy was born on November 11, 1946 in Hong Kong, the fourth of seven children to Henry and Helen Wu.  Growing up, she enjoyed playing piano and basketball, eventually representing Hong Kong’s women’s basketball team in various international competitions.  She attended Chelsea College in England, and after graduating, came to the United States to pursue her Master’s Degree.  While attending Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon, she played on the women’s basketball team and coached the women’s volleyball team.  During this time, she met her husband, Steven Hayasaka, who she married in 1972.  When Steve accepted a position at Clemson University in 1975, the couple moved to Clemson, South Carolina, where they subsequently raised their family.

For twenty-five years, Kathy taught tennis to local youth and adults as well as students at Clemson University.  She also played in various tennis leagues, winning several state and regional championships.  She obtained her U.S. citizenship, enjoyed traveling and painting, and took up ballroom dancing, where she became president of the Foothills Dance Club.  She will be fondly remembered for her generosity, zeal for life, and independent spirit.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 44 years, Steven Hayasaka, of Clemson, South Carolina; her son Keith Hayasaka and his wife, Cassie, of Atlanta, Georgia; her daughter Elana Hayasaka and her wife, Denise Crooks, of Providence, Rhode Island; her grandchildren, Lucas, Naomi and Ian; her sisters Lillian Ha, Yvonne Kwok, and Joyce Lau and their families in Hong Kong; and numerous extended family.  The family will be having a private ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org