TOSHIKO YAMASHITA

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TOSHIKO YAMASHITA Mrs. Toshiko Yamashita passed away peacefully at the Grace Hospital on Wednesday, September 26, 2001 at the age of 85. Toshiko was predeceased by her loving and courageous husband, Masaichi who died tragically in 1964 at age 49 in a car accident. Masaichi was a wonderful partner with a great sense of humour, and Mom proudly chose to honour his memory daily until her own death. Mom was born Toshiko Morishita, second generation Japanese Canadian, on February 28, 1916, in Stevenson, BC. She had two brothers, Hiroshi (1914 to 1986) and Masaru (1918 to 1988). Her father, Kitchisaburo Morishita (1880 to 1960) was a successful fisherman from Wakayama-Ken, Japan. In 1919 Toshikos family traveled to Japan to care for a family elder, and later returned to Canada in 1933 when Toshiko was 17. In 1939, Toshiko, at age 23, married Masaichi in Stevenson, and their wedding photo shows that she was a very happy and beautiful bride. Like her father, her husband was a successful fisherman. Toshiko and Masaichi were overjoyed at the birth of their first son, Shigemi (James) in 1940. However, with the onset of the Second World War and the hostilities towards Japan, Toshiko and her family were expelled from their home like the rest of the Japanese Canadian Community on the West Coast. Mom and her family were eventually relocated to Manitoba in 1942. With the help of the Mennonite Central Committee, Toshiko and Masaichi began to rebuild their lives working on sugar beet farms in St. Pierre and High Bluff. They were once again overjoyed with the birth of their second son, Norio (Robert) in 1943. Toshiko always remained proud of being Canadian, and never harboured any cynicism or resentment. Believing that Canada would afford better opportunities for their sons, Toshiko and Masaichi declined repatriation to Japan after the war. In 1947, Toshiko and her family moved to Winnipeg to live with her brother Hiroshi (Hirako) and his family along with her father (Kitchisaburo Morishita) and mother (Koito Mukai), where she excelled as a seamstress. In 1956, Toshiko and Masaichi fulfilled a dream by purchasing a home for their sons. Following Masaichis tragic death in 1964, Toshiko continued to live in her family home until she was 80 years old. Moms home radiated happiness and love, and was the site of many family dinners and New Years celebrations. She was an avid reader, and always encouraged the acquisition of new skills by family members. She was very proud to see her sons graduate from university and pursue productive careers. Following her retirement at age 65, Mom continued to enjoy reading, sewing, knitting, gardening and cooking for her family. She also enjoyed playing cards, shopping and traveling with her dear friends. Her family had now prospered and grown in Canada as she dreamed. Her son James had married Doreen in 1967, and her son Robert had married Tamiko in 1969. Toshiko felt blessed with four grandchildren: Miyo, Takashi, Chris and Cory. Mom was extremely proud of her grandchildren whom she lovingly adored and greatly admired. Her cabinets and walls were filled with their photographs. They were always her favourite topic for discussion. Mom was a member of the Manitoba Buddhist Church although poor health prevented her from being actively involved with church activities in later years. Mom was a deeply spiritual woman who derived great strength from her Buddhist religious beliefs, and prayed daily at her "hotokaisan" alter for the safety and happiness of her family. Throughout her life Toshiko was a superb mother devoted to her family. Her two sons, James (Doreen) and Robert (Tamiko) are eternally grateful for her commitment, patience, guidance and love. Funeral services will be held at the Manitoba Buddhist Church, 825 Winnipeg Ave. on Sunday, September 30 at 2:30 p.m. The service will be officiated by Socho Ikuta, Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of Canada. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9. The family wishes to thank Nancy Onagi, Toshikos niece for all her loving activities with Mom. Mom loved Nancy (Harold) and their family very much. We also wish to thank the kind and knowledgeable workers of Home Care without whom Mom could not have lived independently in her apartment: in particular Heather, Judy, and Ofelia. These women always responded to Moms needs in a helpful and cheerful manner. Finally, we wish to express our gratitude to the physicians, nurses and staff of Grace Hospital for their professional and compassionate care. Toshiko will be deeply missed by all of us, especially her grandchildren who will never forget their very special "obaasan". BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 28, 2001