THELMA SAYOKO KOJIMA 1925-2004

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THELMA SAYOKO KOJIMA 1925-2004 On June 30, 14 days before her 53rd wedding anniversary, Thelma passed away at home with her husband Mickey and children Les, Lindsay and Sharon by her side. She was 78 years of age. Predeceased by parents Shiro and Mon and by younger brother Bill, Thelma is survived by older brother Mark, six grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Thelma was born on August 2, 1925 in Haney, BC, and was relocated with her family to Sanford, Manitoba in 1942. She became active with the YWCA during the war years, serving on the Board, and, until very recently, maintained her involvement in community affairs. She was an active member of the Niseiettes, a young peoples social group, and became an active promoter of the welfare of Japanese Canadians, serving as Secretary and Treasurer of the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Citizens Association in the 1990s. A founding member and past president of the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, she was a driving force behind the formation of The Newcomers and of the public school program, and was a past president of the Horizons Club. Thelma received a Merit Award from the National Association of Japanese Canadians in 1995, and the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Cultural Centre in 2003 in recognition of her contributions to the community. Thelma was also active in the Manitoba Rhythmic Gymnastics Association, receiving an Outstanding Volunteer in Sport award from the Manitoba Sports Federation in 1982. Her energy, vision, humour, and ability to get people to work together will be sorely missed. A celebration of Thelmas life will be held at Thomson Funeral Chapels (Broadway) at 7:30 p.m. on Monday July 5. Cremation has taken place, and a private family graveside service will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 03, 2004