Hitomi Knotts, age 85, passed away on October 2, 2026. Born in Tokyo, Japan, where she spent her early childhood. Her parents, Kinichi Hai So Kan Kawasaki and Lee Zen Rei (Lee) Kawasaki predeceased her. In March 1945, during the devastating Tokyo firebombing, approximately 100,000 people lost their lives. Against the unimaginable circumstances of that time, she survived. Following the war, her family moved to the rural area of Nerima, where she attended primary and secondary school.

As a young woman, she worked in Japan as a typist and typesetter. She later worked as a waitress at the North Camp Drake NCO Club, where she met Carlos “Carl” Knotts in 1962. The two married at the American Embassy in Tokyo on November 8, 1963.

In April 1964, she and Carl returned to the United States and initially resided with Carl and his parents in Dundalk, Maryland. Shortly thereafter, their family grew with the birth of their first son, Jeffrey. One year to the day later, their second child, Richard, was born.

The growing family remained in the Dundalk and Essex area until moving to Joppatowne in 1968. In 1971, they welcomed their third son, Michael. The Knotts family eventually settled in Jarrettsville, where she lived until her passing.

Hitomi took great pride in caring for her family and enjoyed preparing meals for them. On occasion, she would make traditional Japanese dishes, sharing a taste of her heritage with her loved ones. She also learned many beloved recipes from her mother-in-law, including family staples such as sour beef and dumplings. She became especially well known for making what her family considered the best potato salad they had ever tasted.

Throughout her life, she worked hard and developed many skills. She worked at a floral nursery around the Kingsville/White Marsh area, where her appreciation for flowers eventually grew into a lasting hobby. Making floral arrangements became one of her favorite pastimes. She also worked at Glen Eagles Clothing in Bel Air as a garment worker.  Later, she became a manager at Sun Cleaners in Edgewood, MD, where she ultimately retired as a seamstress.

She was a talented and creative woman who enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, and making floral arrangements. Her hands were rarely still, and through her work and hobbies she created many things that brought beauty and comfort to those around her.

She was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church and was very involved with her community. She helped with Meals on Wheels; was a “Den Mother” in Joppatowne and Jarrettsville, and a Team/Program mother for baseball and football in Jarrettsville.

She will be remembered for her strength, resilience, devotion to her family, and the traditions and talents she shared with those she loved. Her remarkable journey—from surviving the devastation of wartime Tokyo to building a life and family in the United States—is a lasting testament to her courage, perseverance, and love.

In addition to her husband, Carl, she is survived by her sons Jeffrey (Michele) Knotts, and Michael Knotts, Sr.; grandchildren, Tara (Eric) Mitchell, Zachary (Brittney) Knotts, Michael Knotts, Jr., Morgan Knotts, Maxwell Knotts, and Mitchell Knotts; great-grandchildren Vivian Knotts and Theodore Mitchell; siblings, Mitseo Kawaski, Koichi Kawasaki, Marie Kawasaki.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her son, Richard Knotts; and brother Nobuaki Kawaski.