Taiko Konno Lyding, a local artist and calligrapher and beloved wife and mother, recently passed away at the Princeton Medical Center at the age of 57, following a long illness. Born in Shiogama City in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, Ms. Lyding graduated from Tohoku Gakuin University in Sendai, Japan with a B.A. degree in law. Taiko possessed an unbridled passion and spirit for every task she pursued, whether it be as a model and television personality in Japan or as a practitioner and teacher of the traditional Japanese arts in the United States.

In 1982, Taiko met her future husband Chris while Chris was taking part in a student exchange program in Sendai, Japan. After marrying Chris in 1985, Taiko moved to the United States. While continuing to practice calligraphy, she served as a Japanese instructor at Princeton University, also lecturing on calligraphy in the East Asian Studies Department.

Taiko was proficient in many of the classic Japanese traditions, including flower arranging (ikebana) as well as in the intricacies of the Japanese tea ceremony. Perhaps her greatest achievement, however, was attaining the rank of Grand Master of Japanese calligraphy.

Taiko has lectured and has given numerous calligraphy demonstrations at local area schools while introducing countless students to Japanese culture. In 2013 and 2017, despite the debilitating effects of her illness, she exhibited her works at the Gallery at the Plainsboro Library. Her paintings often depicted famous Asian philosophies and some even included the philosophy itself written as a poem (haiku) in Japanese calligraphy.

Taiko was known for dressing impeccably in the latest Western fashions along with matching jewelry. However, she always wore a stylish, traditional Japanese kimono when performing activities involving Japanese culture.  She loved entertaining friends and guests at her home in Plainsboro where she would personally prepare lavish Eastern and Western fare. She was admired and cherished by her friends and enjoyed an excellent reputation among all who knew her. Her boundless spirit, charm and humor will be missed.

Taiko is survived by her devoted husband, Christopher S. Lyding, a son, Charles T. Lyding, her father-in-law, Arthur R. Lyding of Princeton, her mother, Keiko Konno of Shiogama, Japan and her brother, Masao Konno.

A celebration of Taiko's life will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at 1 p.m. at The Unitarian Church, 50 Cherry Hill Road, Princeton, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Princeton Community Japanese Language School, 14 Moore Street, Princeton NJ 08542.