Michelle Koike of San Francisco, CA Has Died – With heavy hearts, the community of San Francisco mourns the passing of Michelle “Mish” Koike, who has died following a courageous and difficult battle with pancreatic cancer. Her passing comes after months of strength, resilience, and unwavering love shared between her and those closest to her.
Michelle’s journey touched many, including longtime friend Esperanza Reem Arab, who shared a heartfelt message earlier this month. Esperanza described how Michelle and her father, Wayne, played a pivotal role during their high school club volleyball years helping with rides, support, and encouragement when Esperanza’s mother, raising two children alone, could not always be there. Those memories, rooted in kindness and generosity, reveal the spirit of who Michelle was: giving, dependable, and always willing to lift others up.
A GoFundMe page titled “Support the Koikes in Michelle’s Fight Against Cancer” was created to help Michelle and her children, Gabby and Frankie, during her health battle. The fundraiser reflected the love surrounding Michelle and the hope that she would overcome the immense challenges of pancreatic cancer. Friends and community members rallied behind her, offering support, prayers, and donations as she underwent treatments and navigated the unknowns of her diagnosis.
Known for her strength and fighting spirit, Michelle faced her illness with determination and grace. She cherished her family deeply, and those who knew her felt her warmth, loyalty, and kindness in every interaction. Her loss leaves a profound sadness in the hearts of friends, family, former teammates, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Michelle is remembered as a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a woman whose impact stretched far beyond her illness. Her legacy lives on in her children, in the lives she touched, and in the memories shared by those who loved her. May she rest peacefully, and may her family and community find comfort in the love she shared and the strength she embodied.
