YOSHIKO SUZUKI (KITAGAWA)

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YOSHIKO SUZUKI (nee KITAGAWA) Peacefully on October 12, 2017, at Oakview Place Extendicare, Winnipeg, MB, at the age of 91 years. Yoshiko Suzuki was predeceased by her husband Jun Suzuki, her parents, Yosokichi and Sada Kitagawa, her stepmother Nobuko, and stepsister Kikuko. She leaves to mourn, her son James (Margaret), daughter Debbie (Gerald) Peters, her grandchildren Laura Janke (Aaron), Michelle Peters (Ernie), Tracey Suzuki, David Peters and Sheryl Peters. Also mourning her loss include her brothers Hiroshi (Peggy), Masayoshi (Michiko), Toshiaki (Mary), Junichi (Maria), Yukio (Barbara), and her stepbrothers Ken (Ann) and George (Diane), as well as many nieces and nephews. Yoshiko was born on June 25, 1926 in Mission, BC. During her childhood she and her family lived in Mission City, Diamond City and Lethbridge, before relocating with her husband to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Yoshiko exchanged wedding vows with Jun Suzuki on February 12, 1955 at the Manitoba Buddhist Church, among family and friends in Winnipeg. Yoshiko took pride in her career, working as a Legal Secretary in Lethbridge, AB, then later supporting her husband's successful career as a business owner of Suzuki Bros. Ltd. She had two children James (born 1956) and Debbie (born 1957). She has been a longtime member of the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, and was a member of the Maya Club (Women's Club). As President of the Maya Club, she produced the first Manitoba Buddhist Church Cookbook, which was a collection of recipes of the members. Her hobbies included making ceramics and ikebana (flower arranging). In later years with her daughter-in-law, Margaret, she produced chi-giri-e (paper tearing pictures). She enjoyed golfing with her husband, Jun, and their two children at Breezy Bend Country Club in Winnipeg, and also was a member of Charleswood Golf Course. Yoshiko had an outgoing personality and beaming smile. These attributes followed here throughout her life, and she made many friends in her neighbourhood, at the golf course, at the Manitoba Buddhist Church, and the Japanese Cultural Centre. When Mom and Dad retired, they spent winters in Orlando, Florida. On their trips they were accompanied by Yoshiko's brothers, Hiroshi (and Peggy), and Masayoshi (Michiko). Yoshiko, and her husband Jun, had opportunities to travel, with annual trips to the warmer climates of Orlando. In addition they travelled to San Francisco, Hawaii, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Japan. She always stressed "We must keep the family together", and this resulted in many road trips to visit her brothers, and father in Western Canada, and in later years many visits with her grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews across North America. After moving from her home, she moved to the Westhaven Seniors Home, and later The Rosewood. These facilities included spending time with elementary school children, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Earlier this year, she moved to Oakview Place. She enjoyed the company of the other residents, and was often seen walking the hallways as early as 6:30 a.m., so she would not miss out on visiting with her many friends. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Oakview Place Extendicare, for their care and compassion shown to Yoshiko. Cremation has taken place. A private funeral will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, 39 Tecumseh Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0R7, or the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba, 180 McPhillips Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 2J9. Condolences may be left at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2017