We Remember

YAMAOKA, Mitsuko “Shirley”

October 28, 1922 — September 16, 2020

Born Vancouver, BC on October 28, 1922, and passed away peacefully in Kelowna, BC, on September 16, 2020 at the age of 97.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband Toshio Yamaoka (2013), and sisters Tomiye Yokota, Fusaye Hori and Kay Nishida. Shirley is survived by her son Gerry (Vicky) Yamaoka and daughter Kathy (Glen) Richdale; four grandchildren Shaun (Keri) and Kristy Yamaoka, Josh and Samantha Richdale; and great-grandson Jayden Yamaoka.  She is also survived by her sister Shizuko Fujimoto; and sister-in-law Audrey Yamaoka; as well as numerous nieces and nephews across Canada and the USA.

Shirley was born in Vancouver, BC; a city slicker who adapted to life on an orchard in the Ellison Area of Kelowna after marrying Toshio.  Shirley eventually started her own hairdressing business, Fairlane Beauty Salon in Rutland.

Mom was always busy as she mastered hobbies of painting, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitch. She started skiing at the age of 54, entered and even won some downhill competitions. She gave up skiing as golf became her passion.  Shirley and Toshio were members at Central Park and Kelowna Golf and Country Club for many years and even travelled to Prince Rupert to play in the BC Summer games.

She was extremely competitive in everything she did and enjoyed playing cards for hours with her friends and family members.

Mom loved to entertain during special holidays and prepared amazing delicious family dinners, which would also include traditional Japanese cuisine.

Shirley lived a long and happy life and will be sadly missed by her family and friends who were fortunate enough to know this wonderful lady.  She cherished her family, with a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchild.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brandt’s Creek Mews, especially Tracey, for their kindness, support and care over the last two years.  We can never thank Dr. William Mackle enough for his years of caring for Mom.

In lieu of flowers and Koden, donations may be made to the Kelowna Buddhist Temple.  Due to Covid-19, Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be a private family affair by invitation only.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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Kelowna Buddhist Temple Link: www.kelownabuddhisttemple.org

 


 


Condolences

  • Wendy Nagata Mahtoy says:
    September 18, 2020 at 8:31 pm

    Dear Gerry, Vicky,Kristy, Shaun, Keri, Jayden, Kathy, Glen, Josh and Samantha: Our hearts and thoughts are with you during this time of grieving. Please know that you are not alone in remembering a truly wonderful and vibrant Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother that meant so much to so many. Our sincere condolences to the Yamaoka Family. Tosh Nagata, Wendy, Jim. Akemi, Al, Les, Gloria, Marisa, Risa, Dan and Drew

    Reply
  • Richard Flewelling says:
    September 19, 2020 at 10:29 am

    Our sincere condolences Kathy, Glen, Sam & Josh on the loss of such an important person in your life, may your memories bring you comfort, Rick & Christine

    Reply
  • Tom and Karen Robertson says:
    September 19, 2020 at 1:16 pm

    Lovely remembrance write up on a very special lady who it sounds lived her life to the fullest. May your memories soften the loss you are feeling.
    Tom and Karen

    Reply
  • Kenji and Gloria Hokazono says:
    September 21, 2020 at 1:19 pm

    Gerry, Kathy and the Yamoaka families,
    Please accept our most sincere and heartfelt condolences on the passing of your mother and family member. She shared the same ‘Japanese’ name as our mother, but foremost she shared a great friendship over the years with our mother, whether bowling, golfing or socializing while they ‘worked’ or attended events at the Otera. Whenever a member of our family would see her, she would acknowledge our presence pleasantly with a smile and hello!
    Sincerely, Ken and Gloria Hokazono.

    Reply
  • Faith Kinoshita says:
    September 21, 2020 at 2:04 pm

    Dear Gerry, Kathy and family, I am so sorry to hear of Shirley’s passing. She was mom’s hairdresser for years and a family friend. Shirley was so gracious. I always thought she and your dad were a handsome couple. Our heartfelt sympathy to all.
    Ethel and Faith Kinoshita

    Reply
  • Springfield Funeral Home says:
    October 8, 2020 at 1:24 pm

    I just heard of your Mom’s passing. So sorry for your family’s loss. Your Mom and Dad were long time friends of my parents, Tami and Roy Kuroda of Summerland.
    Mom was a Tomiye, born and raised in Kelowna. Your parents and mine, made many memories over many years, golfing on different courses, socializing at each others homes, travelling, and sharing lots of meals and games of cards!

    On behalf of my family, we send our deepest sympathies to your family.

    Darlene Kuroda Richer

    Reply

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Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke