YORIKO KAITA

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YORIKO KAITA On Monday, December 19, 2016, surrounded by her family, Mom quietly and peacefully passed away at the Oakview Personal Care Home at the age of 85. Left to cherish her memory and celebrate her life are her children Harvey (Sandra), Janet (Robert) and Kelly (Lisa); grandchildren Adara (Ryan), Stephanie (Paul), Ryan, Derek, Taryn, Brennan, Reid, Danae, and Nicholas; sister Yasuko Itahana (Saburo); brothers Jimmy and Shigeyoshi Akimoto; brothers-in-law, Ronnie (Lily), Freddie (Christine); sisters-in-law Michiko and Minako Akimoto, Sumire Hirayama and Kay Yamamoto, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and longtime friends. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Enpay (Roy); her parents Yukie and Shigenori Akimoto; brothers Henry and Shigemitsu Akimoto; sisters Fumiko Akimoto and Takako Kihara; sisters-in-law Kiyoko Akimoto, May Tahara, Hana Tazumi, and Amy Kaita; brothers-in-law Hideo Kihara, Hiroyoshi Tahara, Shigeru Hirayama, Steve Tazumi, Robert Yamamoto, and her niece Kathy Inouye. Mom was born on August 16, 1931 in Steveston, BC. In 1934, at the age of three, Mom returned to Japan where she lived in Tokyo during the Second World War. Mom completed her schooling in Japan and would go on to learn conversational English, typing, and business courses, as she planned to return to Canada. In 1952, at the age of 21, Mom left Yokohama and arrived in White Rock, BC. From 1952 to 1953 Mom lived with the Archers in Redcliff, AB. The Archers had sponsored her entry into Canada in exchange for help around the house. Within a year Mom was able to pay them back and in 1952 she met the Hashizumes from Medicine Hat and lived with them until 1955. In 1955 Mom met her beloved Roy, and they were married soon after and settled in on the Kaita farm in West St. Paul. Mom worked both on the farm and at Roy's Market until 1960. From 1960 to 1988 Mom and Dad operated Roy's Florist until their retirement in 1988. Mom worked hard all her life, side by side with Dad, nurturing and providing a beautiful life for all of us. She was incredibly generous with her love, time and support. Always in attendance at dance recitals, hockey games, soccer games, graduations and any other event her grandchildren were involved with. Mom had a very strong sense of family, responsibility, and tradition. In their earlier years of marriage, while raising a young family, Mom also took care of Jichan and later on she would care for Bachan. She was at home in the kitchen and cooked many, many family suppers and celebrations. For many years she hosted her famous New Year's Day party, where she cooked for days and provided a feast for all her family and friends. Mom played a vital and active role at the Manitoba Buddhist Temple Maya Club and Fujin-kai, serving as VP, Secretary and Treasurer. She gave freely of her time and talents, and mentored many women at the temple teaching them how to make Japanese delicacies. Many have enjoyed her delicious manju sold at the annual Bazaar. Mom also volunteered many hours with JCAM and Folklorama. She was a loyal and loving friend to many, and enjoyed her time with friends golfing at Tuxedo Golf Club, and taking many trips to Las Vegas and Osoyoos. Mom enjoyed attending the Royal Winnipeg Ballet performances, learning the fine art of the Japanese green tea ceremony and playing the koto. In her later years, Mom was diagnosed with dementia, and the landscape of her life and all of our lives would change. It would bring many challenges that ultimately served to bring us all closer together. Dad lovingly cared for her for many years at home until her stroke in 2015. Mom devoted many hours to volunteering at Oakview Personal Care Home and eventually became a resident at Oakview for the past year. Mom's days at Oakview were very happy. She enjoyed the company of many of the other residents, staff, and daily visits from family. She especially enjoyed "pub night" and loved to dance. Mom was an amazing person being the strong strand in the tapestry of our lives. She has left us with many memories and life lessons that we will humbly try to carry on. Rest peacefully Mom. We love you always and forever. The family would like to thank the many friends and relatives for all their love, support and kindness during the last years of Mom's life. We are deeply grateful to the staff of the Oakview Personal Care Home who lovingly cared for Mom. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, 39 Tecumseh St., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J8. Online donations can be made through www.manitobabuddhistchurch.org Bardal Funeral Home 204-774-7474 Condolences www.bardal.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 22, 2016