February 18, 1915 – July 23, 2014

Our precious mom, grandmother and great-grandma, Harumi (Lumi) Hamaoki, 99 years old, passed peacefully in the company of family on the evening of July 23^rd, 2014.  She was born on February 18, 1915, in Hiroshima, Japan.

Lumi was married in Japan in 1938 to Ihachi Hamaoki. She immigrated to Canada (Powell River, B.C.) in 1938.  She and Ihachi resided in and fished the Coast of B.C., until the Internment of the Japanese-Canadians in 1942.  That same year, Lumi and Ihachi came to Kamloops, sponsored by Mr. G. Oishi, and have resided in Kamloops since.  Lumi left us on the same day that Ihachi died twenty-three years ago.

Lumi worked as a seamstress for many years at the Hudson’s Bay Company.  She enjoyed oil painting, sewing, and nurturing beauty in her bountiful flower gardens.  She was a dedicated member of the St. George’s Anglican Church community, which was a loving foundation of support and comfort in her life.

Lumi’s impeccable grace, modest yet unyielding resilience, flashes of sweet humour and most greatly, her love of family and friends will be honoured in all those whose life she touched.

Lumi is survived by her three children Roy (Arlene) Hamaoki, Irene (Henry) Uyeda and Emi (James) Doi and her nine loving grandchildren; Michelle, Darren, Daniel, Tammy, Linda, Angela, Carl, Terry & Brenda.   Fifteen great-grandchildren will also carry her light forward whenever beauty and laughter are present.

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to the Pine Grove Care Centre staff, and Dr. Howie.  Through their extraordinary loving care and heartfelt presence Lumi was honoured for the person she was.

A celebration and remembrance of Lumi’s life will take place on Monday, 18th August 2014, 2:00pm at St. George’s Anglican Church. In lieu of flowers and koden, donations to the Staff Fund at Pine Grove Care Centre, St. George’s Anglican Church, or the Kamloops Japanese-Canadian Association would be greatly appreciated.