A Los Angeles–born resident of Pasadena, California, Carol Ryoko Funai passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on December 1, 1941, to the late Kazuo and Tamae Funai, Carol was a gifted and lifelong artist whose work spanned ceramics, sculpture, painting, and fashion design. She earned her Master of Fine Arts degree from UCLA and devoted her life to creative expression. Carol also had a deep love for animals, which brought her great joy and comfort throughout her life.
Family services were held on Saturday, February 7, at Fukui Mortuary Chapel, with Rev. Clifford Ishigaki officiating.
She was preceded in death by her older sister, Teruko Dahn. Carol is survived by her younger sister, Helen Funai Erickson; nephew, Kent Dahn (Sonya); grand-niece, Whitney Dahn; cousin, Morgan Hewitt; and other relatives. She will be remembered with great love for her talent, compassion, and enduring artistic spirit.
www.fukuimortuary.com (213) 629-2241
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