We Remember

KITAURA, Hideko “Joan”

January 3, 1936 — November 3, 2014

Passed away peacefully November 3, 2014 at the age of 78.  Survived by her daughters: Karen Stearns, Jackie (Gary) Yates; sons: Kirby Kitaura, Russell Kitaura (Judy Mok), Calvin Kitaura (Kim Corazzoli); grandchildren Jason Stearns, Brandon Stearns, Davis Yates, Dawson Yates; great grandchild Caleb Stearns; brother Terry Hikida; sister Margie Hatanaka (Jack) and sister-in-law Shirley Dow.  Predeceased by father Gengo “George” Hikida, mother Tome “Elsie” Hikida, husband Jim Kitaura and brother George Hikida.

Joan was a caring, honest, generous and hardworking person who valued family and friends first and foremost.  She graduated from KSS and attended business school.  Joan worked at the bank and also at Sid’s Supermarket.  She married Jim Kitaura and raised 5 children.  The life of an orchardist was very busy: harvesting, canning, and freezing fresh grown produce.  She happily exchanged her bounty with her friends.  Joan also enjoyed the business aspect of running the orchard as well.  In later years she also enjoyed following the success of her children and the wonderful growth of her grandchildren and great grandchild.  She taught all of her kids and grandchildren kindness by example.  She was proud of her family.  At Joan’s request, she was laid to rest privately alongside her husband in Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery on November 10, 2014.  Special thanks to Dr. Wickstrom, Dr. Swart, Nurse Practitioner Julie Louverin, Kelowna General Hospital doctors, nurses, care aids and support staff, mom’s phone friends and Burke Sanbrooks of Springfield Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2 www.kghfoundation.com.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
November 10, 2014

Location
Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery

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