Chieko Nishimura Okazaki was born on October 21, 1926 in Hawaii, the daughter of Hawaii-born Japanese.   Chieko was raised there as a Buddhist, until she converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at age fifteen.   She married the late Ed Okazaki, and they have two sons.   Sister Okazaki became an educator, teaching in Hawaii, Utah, and Colorado; she also served as an elementary school principal.   In 1961 she was appointed to the YWMIA general board.   She served as first counselor to Sister Elaine L. Jack in the Relief Society general presidency from 1990 to 1997.   She was the first non-Caucasian to serve in these positions.   Since her release, she has continued to be a voice for women in the Church.   She has written several books, most of which are geared to an audience of LDS women.   Some of her books include Cat’s Cradle, Aloha!, Lighten Up, and Sanctuary.