Nadeshiko Kinomoto

Nadeshiko Kinomoto is the mother of the series titular character, Sakura Kinomoto, who died seven years before the series starts. Only seen in flashbacks, photographs, and as a spirit, Nadeshiko was a high school student and professional model when she met and fell in love with Fujitaka Kinomoto, who was her teacher. Her family disapproved of their marriage when Nadeshiko was sixteen. Nadeshiko continued to send gifts to her father, and maintained contact with her cousin Sonomi Daidōji. At the age of 27, Nadeshiko died, and Sonomi, who loved Nadeshiko greatly, blamed Fujitaka. It is hinted that after her death, the Amamiya family cut off all contact with Fujitaka and the children from the marriage, as Sakura is shown learning that Sonomi, who is the mother of her best friend, is a relative, and meeting her great-grandfather (Nadeshiko's grandfather) for the first time as the series progresses. Though Nadeshiko has died, her love for Fujitaka and her children, and visa versa continues to live on. She frequently visits the family as a winged spirit, though initially only Toya can see her. In the manga, it is noted that Toya likely inherited this power from Nadeshiko, implying she too could see spirits.