OBITUARIES

Peacefully, at Misericordia Place Personal Care Home. Predeceased by her parents, husband Tsutomu, brothers Kanao and Masao Nishi, sisters Mary Homma and Sueko Sora, and nephews Ken Homma and Robert Nishi. Survived by daughters Akemi, and Mayumi (Dave) Kawakami, and grandson Brian Kawakami, sister Kimie Miyai, (Toronto) brother Kaoru Tanaka (Tokyo) and nieces and nephews and their families.

Sumiko was born in Crofton, B.C., to Soyo (Tanaka) and Tomegoro Nishi, the third of seven children. She grew up in Vancouver. In 1942, she married Tsutomu Miyahara. Along with others of Japanese descent, the war years were spent in internment, in New Denver and Tashme, BC. They came to Winnipeg in 1946, where, alongside her husband, she re-established a home for their young family. As many young woman of her generation, Sumiko was taught to sew, a skill in which she excelled, and which enabled her to contribute to rebuilding their lives here. Her family meant everything to her.

Sumiko took strength from her Buddhist faith and the Japanese Canadian Community. She especially enjoyed the warm friendship of the Hoyu Kai Seniors Group. She will be remembered as a proud and independent woman, a survivor and a devoted and loving mother and grandmother.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Misericordia Place for the exceptional care provided to Sumiko, especially during her final days. Sincere thanks also to the staff and Homecare nurses at the Rosewood Retirement Community and to Drs. Rahman and Brodovsky. Special thanks to Sensei Ulrich for his support during this sad time.

Should friends wish, donations to the Manitoba Buddhist Church, the Manitoba Japanese Canadian Cultural Center (MJCCC), or a charity of your choice, in Sumiko’s memory, would be appreciated.

A private family service will be held with arrangements entrusted to Bardal Funeral Home.

 

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