JOY KATSUKO KATO

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JOY KATSUKO KATO Suddenly, on October 9, 1999 at a family gathering, Joy passed away at Seven Oaks Hospital. Joy was born June 4, 1938 in Vancouver. She came to Winnipeg in 1946 raised in the North end before becoming a long time resident of Charleswood. Joy leaves to mourn, her loving mother Alice Nakamura and was predeceased by her father George Nakamura. Her children, Robert and Debra (Vancouver) will miss her more than words can ever express. She also leaves close brothers Raymond Nakamura and Bruce (Ann) Nakamura (Ottawa). Also feeling the loss are her aunt, uncle, many cousins, nieces and nephews. After graduating from Success College, Joy worked for an insurance company before deciding to answer her call to helping people in the field of Social Work. She graduated from the University of Manitoba, first with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and then later a Masters Degree of Social Work. She also pursued various courses in healing. At the time of her passing, Joy was in her 24th year as a Social Worker at the Health Sciences Centre, where she enjoyed professional success with colleagues and patients. She also counselled and taught courses in her part-time. Before her passing, she had envisioned her retirement of opening a healing retreat on some cottage property where she had enjoyed much time spent there. Joy was also an avid gardener that grew beautiful flowers and vegetables that she generously gave to family and friends. Part of her interest in spirituality and healing came from her involvement with the Unity and Psychic Churches. Joy also loved to travel to Vancouver to visit her daughter, frequently to Hawaii with her cousin Akemi to visit cousins Mariko and Dalton Chock, Europe, to visit friend Annie in Holland and Japan. A viewing will be held from 2:00pm - 5:00pm Friday, October 15. Viewing will also be just prior to the funeral services held on Saturday, October 16, at 1:00pm at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook Street, with Reverend Misaki presiding, reception to follow. Private cremation to be performed at a later time. Flowers and Koden are gratefully declined. Should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba in Joys memory. Joy was the epitome of intelligence, kindness and generosity, and true to her name, had a Joy for life and brought great Joy to many. Our family wishes to thank the emergency response team and Dr. Kowaluk and his staff at the emergency room at Seven Oaks Hospital for their efforts and kindness to the family. Mom, we love you and miss you so much. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 14, 1999