Midori Adachi Iwatake

Midori Iwatake, 77, of Matthews, N.C., passed away suddenly on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center.

Born in Tokyo, Japan, she was the daughter of the late Masao Adachi and Sugako Sugaya Adachi. In 1974, Midori came to the United States in search of the American Dream. While living in New York, she met Tsuyoshi Iwatake, and the two fell in love and began their life together.

In 1986, Midori and Tsuyoshi moved their young family to Kershaw, not knowing a soul. With courage, hard work, and a lot of heart, they opened Iwa’s Restaurant and built a life in a community that soon became home. The people of Kershaw welcomed them with open arms, and Midori and Iwa became a beloved part of the community. Iwa was a talented chef, and together they were a wonderful team. Their restaurant was more than a place to eat, it was a place where people gathered, shared stories, and felt welcome.

Midori was a woman who knew how to enjoy life. She loved to gamble and never seemed to mind taking a chance. She was an excellent cook and a gracious host who loved nothing more than having people around her table. She had a generous spirit and a way of making those around her feel at home. She loved her family deeply and was especially fond of her beloved cat, Ricky Martin.

Midori’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her daughter, Mika Iwatake Sinclair and her husband, Jeremy, of Van Wyck, S.C.; her son, Kenichi Adachi “Ken-Ken” Iwatake and his wife, Stephanie, of Heath Springs, S.C.; her grandchildren, Hana Helms and her husband, Daniel, and her soon-to-be born great grandson, Silas Helms, whom she was eagerly awaiting and Kayli Iwatake. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Ichiro Koyama, and sister-in-law, Kikue Adachi.

In addition to her parents, Midori was preceded in death by her sister, Kimiko Koyama, and her brother, Kazuo Adachi.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Midori’s daughter-in-law, Stephanie, for the love, patience, and devoted care she gave Midori during the past three years following the passing of Mr. Iwatake. Her kindness and presence meant more than words can express.

Though Midori’s passing was sudden, the memories she leaves behind are many—of family gathered around a table, good food shared with friends, laughter, a little gambling, and the warmth of a woman who opened her heart and her home to those she loved. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A service to celebrate Midori’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in the chapel of Baker Funeral Home, 210 E. Hilton Street, Kershaw, S.C. The Rev. Carson Montgomery and Mr. Terry Clyburn officiate.

The family will greet friends at the funeral home following the service until 6:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Van Wyck Presbyterian Church, Post Office Box 68, Van Wyck, S.C. 29744.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.