Kiyo Ueda Hiatt

(July 10, 1926 – July 11, 2020)

Kiyo Ueda Hiatt died peacefully on July 11 ^th at Treasure Coast Hospice – Harper House, Stuart, Florida. Her husband Roy C. Hiatt, and seven siblings predeceased her. She leaves behind her four children; Samuel (Patty) Harrison, Karen Hiatt, Cynthia (J.R.) Benedetto and Allan Hiatt, five grandchildren; Tye Harrison, Kristen Hernandez, Derek Lawrence, Lance Barrett, and Kiyo Vigliotti, as well as five great grandchildren.

Kiyo, a first-generation Japanese American citizen was born in Fife, Washington

to Sadaichiro and Tomeno Ueda on July 10, 1926. Her childhood was marred by the three years she and her family were forced to endure at Minidoka Internment Camp in Idaho. This was along with thousands of Japanese Americans who were imprisoned after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor during World War II. She rose above this indignity and persevered the rest of her life to become a highly successful businesswoman.

Against great odds, she was accepted to Bucknell University soon after being released from the internment camp. Her professional career began more than 50 years ago at Deerfield Groves Florida.  She was a pioneer for women in the Florida Citrus Industry. In addition to sales, she was selected to serve on several subcommittees of the Department of Citrus in the State of Florida. Kay, as she was known in the trade, also helped expand sales into Japanese markets.  She was well respected by her nationwide customer base. An industry peer said, "Kay was not just a pioneer in our industry, she was a legend."

Kiyo was known for her keen intellect and love of language. She was a voracious reader and wordsmith, which made her a fierce scrabble competitor.  In her later years, she enjoyed tending to her orchids and she was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees.

Kiyo will be remembered as an iron-willed woman full of strength and stamina tempered by patience and self-sacrifice. Above all, she loved God, was devoted to family, and was a fierce American patriot. She touched many lives over the course of her 94 years. Kiyo will be sorely missed but no doubt fondly remembered for generations to come.

In lieu of flowers, contributions as a memorial may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice

1201 SE Indian St, Stuart, FL 34997