January 5th, 1930 – March 12th, 2015
Mitsuko “Mits” Kuroyama (Kato), passed away peacefully on March 12th, 2015 with her family by her side.
Mits was born January 5th, 1930, in Royston/Cumberland, British Columbia where she lived with her family until they were relocated to an internment camp at Tashme during World War II. After the war her family moved to North Kamloops where she met Arnie and they were married 1951. Mits was a long time employee of Safety Mart Foods until her retirement. Throughout the years she enjoyed softball, bowling, curling and golfing. She particularly loved golfing with her sisters and friends at the Kamloops Golf and Country Club. She continued to golf until she was 80. Although she enjoyed her sports her first love was her large extended family as well as being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family is what made her genuinely happy.
Mits was a kind gentle soul, was generous to a fault, and had a delightful dry witty sense of humour that never failed to make one smile. She will be sadly missed.
Mits is survived by her daughter, Gail (Ken) Jefferies and son, Robert (Kathy) Kuroyama ; Grandchildren Terry (Nicole) Murray, Rebecca Stewart, Matthew (Jenna) Kuroyama, Courtney (Peter) Johansson and great grandchildren Kaitlyn (Kurtis) Munro, Natsuko, Jacob, Riley, Canon and Ella; her siblings Stan (Kaz) Kato, Barry (Anna) Kato, Emi Ebisuzaki, Fran (Tosh) Takenaka, Marion Motokado, Barbara (John) Konno, Nancy (Marvin) Keller, sister-in-law Margaret Kato, brother-in-law Tom Nakashimada; as well as many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Arnie; her father, Guntaro; her mother, Kikuye; her brother, Akira (Spud), brothers-in-law Joe Motokado, John Deshima, Kaney Ebisuzaki and her sisters, Yuri Deshima and Sumi Nakashimada.
We would like to extend a very special thank-you to the wonderful nurses and care aids at the Gemstone Care Centre; there are not enough words to express our thanks and gratitude for the care, love and compassion you have shown to Mom. A heartfelt thank you for the help, love and support of friends and family who were always there during good times and bad – we couldn’t do it without you, love you all.
The Memorial Service will be held on March 23, 2015 at 2:30 at the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Dr., with Reverend Yasuhiro Miyakawa officiating. In lieu of flowers or koden, memorial donations may be made to the Kamloops Buddhist Church or the Kamloops Hospice in memory of Mits.
11 Tributes
Mits met my mother, Lucy Maki, many years ago when they were both patients at RIH and they became friends. My mother was incapacitated and had limited access to transportation so Mits would make the journey from the Northside to Sahali regularly to visit, often with a gift in hand.
I don’t know if she ever new how much it meant to my mother, but it was so deeply appreciated. My mother adored her and when she was at Pinegrove, she looked forward to her visits most of all.
On behalf of my mother, I would like to acknowledge the generosity and kindness that Mits so freely gave and the friendship she shared.
My wife and I send the family our deepest condolences and recognize your great loss of a wonderful human being.
Bill & Deb Maki
she will be missed greatly by all who knew her. A sweet wonderful lady
To The Kuroyama Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a good neighbour. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this difficult time.
Gordon and Bea Bregoliss
We are sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the family.
Gail and Rob – so sorry to hear about your mother. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Rob Kuroyama and Family,
Rob, my condolences on your loss. I understand what you are going through as I just loss my Dad on March 5th. Life happens and we must go on.
Dave Schleppe
Our sincere condolences for the loss of your
Mother.
Gail and Rob..Our heartfelt condolences to you at this very difficult and sad time. Mits was a dear friend and neighbour to our Mom, Verna. We were also fortunate to know your Mom..she was always a very kind and gracious lady. The next few days, weeks and months will be very difficult …just hold onto the wonderful memories of your dear beloved Mom…take care, Shirley and Doug
We’re so sorry for your loss.
A donation has been made in memory of Mitsuko to the Kamloops Hospice..
Sincerely
The Romanuk Family
Thanks Dave. Our thoughts are with you as well.
Rob & Kathy
Gail and Rob,
So sorry to hear about Mits. I will always remember her gentle spirit. The koden will go to the Kamloops Hospice.