Remembering Astha A. Tada, 1943-2024

Family and friends are remembering Astha Tada, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

Astha Asae Tada, age 81, passed away peacefully in Des Moines, Washington, on September 18, 2024. She was born on April 5, 1943, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Astha attended Roosevelt High School in Honolulu and went on to earn both her bachelor’s degree and Master’s of Library Science from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

In 1967, Astha moved to Seattle, where she dedicated her career to fostering a love of reading and learning in children as a librarian in the Highline School District. After retiring in 2003, she found a new passion in volunteering, contributing her time and talents to various organizations. Her work with the White Center Library Guild and the Beta Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International helped raise scholarship funds and support local libraries.

Her dedication and service were recognized with several awards, including the 2012 Highline Schools Foundation Outstanding Volunteer and the 2016 King County Library System Friend of the Year.

Astha was a loving mother and a cherished friend, known for her kind heart and unwavering commitment to her community. She is survived by her sons, Terence and Kyle, and her brother, Kent. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tosh, who passed away in 2001.

A memorial service will be held on April 5, 2025, 12 PM at the Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

6 Replies to "Remembering Astha A. Tada, 1943-2024"

  • Gill & Alex October 18, 2024 (10:00 am)

    She was one incredible person and helped all she knew to read!  She will be sorely missed at the White Center Library Guild.

  • McMicken Kid October 18, 2024 (1:12 pm)

    Oh my goodness, there isn’t a year that goes by that I don’t recall Ms. Tada. I’m so sad about this loss, she was an absolutely wonderful, beautiful soul of a human being. She was a very special part of my formative years and she most certainly leaves behind a more compassionate and imaginative world behind her. 

  • Jim Arkills Jr. October 18, 2024 (4:34 pm)

    I did not know Mrs. Tada but I knew of her husband Tosh.  Tosh and my father were friends for many years.  I remember Tosh coming to our house when I was in my teens.  He was such a good friend to my Dad and my Mom and was a gentle soul.  I informed my Mother of the passing of Mrs. Tada and she is also saddened.  We are very sorry for your loss.
    Jim Arkills Jr.

  • Luvsseattle October 18, 2024 (8:38 pm)

    I have thought about Mrs. Tada often over the 40 years since I met her and knew her as the McMicken Heights Elementary librarian. The days of card catalogs, Scholastic Book Fairs, and checking out a book with a paper slip…the photo here is exactly how I remember her. Mrs. Tada certainly helped to cement the love of books and libraries in my life. She was special to my entire family; her memory will live on with us all. 

  • ACG October 18, 2024 (10:33 pm)

    My condolences to all who knew and loved her. I am so sorry for your loss. 

  • Cathy October 19, 2024 (9:06 am)

    Our deep condolences to Astha’s family. She was an important core member of our Willie Austin exercise group at the Neighborhood House for many years, joining in with her good cheer, patience, brightness and sense of fun. We will miss her!

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