Gemini-9 Freed Hawk "Hawk", formerly of Leeds, MA died Saturday, July 12, 2025. Born Rika Mary Nonoguchi in Kyoto, Japan, on July 8, 1961, she was the daughter of the late Takashi and Akiko Nonoguchi.

Hawk is survived by her devoted friend and life partner, Dennis Kitchen, and faithful feline companion, Nikki.

Of truly international pedigree, Hawk attended boarding school in Badminton, England, for six years before enrolling at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA, graduating in 1985. She went on to obtain a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Springfield College in Springfield, Massachusetts, working in the field for several years with a focus on crisis intervention and developmental disabilities.

Exceptionally creative and an accomplished crafter, Hawk could knit a wool cap, a warm pair of winter gloves, or crochet a stunning queen-sized bedspread without breaking a sweat. She had an artistic eye, often expressing herself through pencil drawings and watercolors. Most recently, she had been pursuing an interest in beadwork and jewelry-making.

Hawk loved animals to a fault. If possible, during inclement weather she would have invited all of the squirrels, deer, and wild turkeys into the house for tea! Though it scared her neighbors to death, one of her happiest days was when a black bear made its way onto the back porch of her condo to enjoy a snack from her bird feeder.

Hawk was loving, kind, and generous, freely giving of what she had. Though of generally gentle and reserved disposition, she was fiercely independent and proud, and would stand up fearlessly to protect and defend any whom she felt had been wronged. Those lucky enough to get to know her found that she was delightfully fun-loving, playful, and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Hawk was an avid and accomplished downhill skier. She loved the cold and the snow, and wintertime always made her very happy!

Hawk's vibrant spirit and loving heart will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Hawk may be made to the Wildlife Animal Initiative at www.wildanimalinitiative.org/ .

A memorial gathering will take place Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Woodfin Chapel, Smyrna.