Shigeko “Chiko” Chandler, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, artist, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was 91 years old.

Chiko was born in Japan on March 21, 1935. She married Eugene W. Chandler (1931-2011) in 1958 and moved to the United States with him in 1959.

Chiko was a longtime resident of Poway, where she was a proud member of the Poway Women’s Club. In retirement, she moved to Julian, where she became a proud member of the Julian Quilt Club and continued to pursue her lifelong passion of creating.

A two-time cancer survivor, Chiko faced life’s challenges with strength and grace. She was, above all, devoted to her family. She was a loving mother and grandmother who cherished the time she spent with those she loved.

Chiko was a talented artist with a remarkable gift for creating beauty with her hands. Over the years, she painted, quilted, created gourd art, knitted, worked with stained glass, sewed, crocheted, and explored countless other crafts. Of all her artistic pursuits, quilting held a special place in her heart. She had a beautiful eye for color and took great joy in bringing colors, patterns, and fabrics together to create something uniquely her own.

Chiko was one of six children. She is survived by her sister, Toshiko Yamaguchi; her daughter, Stephanie DiTullio (Peter DiTullio); her son, Andrew Chandler (Sherri Dunlap); and her grandchildren, Paige DiTullio and Jake Chandler.

Chiko will be deeply missed by her family and friends, and by all those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.