We Remember

TAMAKI, Tomiko “Tomi”

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On November 2, 2019 our mother, Tomiko “Tomi” Tamaki passed away peacefully at the age of 88 at Three Links Manor in Kelowna, British Columbia.  At the time of her passing she was surrounded by her loving family.

Tomi was born in Summerland, British Columbia on July 22, 1931 to her parents Tsuneo Kawasaki and Yoshiko Miyaza-Ki-Yamamoto.  She helped her parents and siblings in an orchard in Summerland until graduating from high school.  Tomi loved to sing and was involved in the United Church choir in Summerland.   After graduation, she moved to Vancouver, BC, finding employment as a live-in nanny for Dr. Pinkerton’s family.  She was employed with them until returning to the Okanagan in 1954.

Mom was introduced to our father, Shigeo “Sid” Tamaki, and was employed in his grocery store (Sid’s Grocery).  After a few months, Sid knew that he met his soul mate and they were married on February 23, 1955.  They were married for 63 years and raised a family of one daughter and four sons; family was always her priority.

Tomi loved to cook and entertain family and friends and there were many memorable parties at their home with so much food that there were leftovers for many days.  She possessed a smile that would brighten a room and a laugh that could be heard everywhere.

Upon their retirement in 1988, Sid and Tomi travelled throughout Asia, Europe and North America.  They had the time to play golf with family and go dancing with their many friends.  She loved to play cards, especially rummy, and could not bluff as she always had a wide grin when she drew the wild card.

Tomi was predeceased by her beloved husband, Sid, their infant son Robert, her parents, brother Michiro, stepsister Hideko and stepbrothers, Kazuo and Isamu.  She is survived by her children, Don (Linda), George (Wendy), Lynn (Cameron), Gordon (Vicky), and Bruce (Mandy); and grandchildren, Sean, Tracy, Noah and Claire.  She is also survived by her sisters Miyeko Martin (Howard), and Yemiko Mori (Sat); and many of her and Sid’s nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Three Links Manor and Mission Creek Landing for their care and support throughout the last 5 years.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 at 4:00 pm in the Springfield Funeral Home chapel.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that you make a donation to the Alzheimer Society of BC, alzheimer.ca/en/Home.

Service
Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Alzheimer Society of BC Link: alzheimer.ca/en/Home

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for TAMAKI, Tomiko “Tomi” is scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd, 2019 at 4:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Thomas Brister says:
    November 10, 2019 at 10:05 am

    Tamaki family My sincere condolences at this time of sorrow . I am saddened by the loss you and your family have encountered.
    Thomas Brister

    Reply
  • Darlene Bottomley says:
    November 11, 2019 at 10:56 pm

    Dear Lynn & Cam,
    So very sorry to hear the news. Our thoughts are with you both at this difficult time. Xoxo Hal & Dar

    Reply
  • Doug Fujita says:
    November 13, 2019 at 5:54 pm

    Condolences for your loss. Very fond memories of Aunt Tomi.
    Will be missed,
    Doug

    Reply
  • Margie henri says:
    November 14, 2019 at 9:22 am

    I’m sorry to hear of Tomi passing, she’s gone to meet her soulmate Sid. Margie Henri

    Reply
  • Elaine Mitchell says:
    November 22, 2019 at 9:21 am

    I had the beautiful privilege to meet Tomi in recent months. A warm, fun and loving woman. My sincere condolences to her family.

    Reply
  • Pete Yakachuk says:
    November 23, 2019 at 3:26 pm

    My deepest condolences to the Tamaki family. Bruce, Mandy and Noah. Don, Linda, Sean and Tracy. Lynn and Cam. George and Wendy. Gord, Vicky and Claire. Your mom was always the life of the family gatherings and a social butterfly and people would gravitate too. She always opened the home to all. I will remember her smile, laugh and quick wit. Seeing your mom and dad holding hands is something to remember. She will be missed by all of us. Peter

    Reply
  • Bev Franko says:
    November 27, 2019 at 8:23 pm

    We send our sincere condolences to the entire Tamaki family. Tomi was lovely lady and Jerrry and I have fond, fond memories of her. Jerry & Bev Franko.

    Reply

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Frances Baum

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