YUMI SAKA
Posted: April 27th, 2018
April 4, 1938 ~ April 23, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Yumiko “Yumi” Reni Saka announce her passing at St. Joseph’s – Carmel Hospice on Monday, April 23, 2018, at the age of 80 years. She was born in Mission City, B.C., on (April 4, 1938) but her birth was registered on April 29, 1938, to Eiji and Yasu Tashiro and attended school in Coalhurst. Yumi had many wonderful traits that included her caring nature, thoughtful and selfless care for her patients, a great mentor and dedicated teacher and sometimes bossy and stubborn with those she worked with; but above all, loving and warm hearted. She loved gardening, reading (wore out her library card), volunteering, golf, hockey, the Flames and of course, figure skating. Yumi worked first as a Lab Tech and then as the ultimate nurse in Honolulu and in Medicine Hat. Yumi was a member of the Nursing Association and was recognized for an award in 2008 for actively working until the age of 70 years. There were many other achievements throughout the years in nursing and in her volunteer life. Yumi especially enjoyed the sunsets of Hawaii, seeing a baby born and the activities of her own children during their youth. She was extremely fond of her pets, Kekoa, Zoe and grand-puppy, Junior. Yumi’s memory will be forever treasured in the hearts of her children; Jay Saka of Edmonton and Jody Saka (Tom Oliver) of Atlanta, Georgia; Jack Saka (father of Jay and Jody); sister, Lily Kamachi of New Westminster, B.C. as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba; “surrogate” grandmother to her many friends’ children and grandchildren. Yumi was predeceased by her parents, Eiji and Yasu Tashiro; brother, Masami “Sami” Tashiro and sister, Kazuko Tashiro. The Celebration of Yumi’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. Everyone attending the Funeral Service is asked to bring a copy of a photo of Yumi for the photo memory book. For those unable to attend; the Funeral Service will be Live Streamed on the Cook Southland webpage at www.cooksouth land.com and you watch the service by clicking on the link on the Home Page. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Yumi’s name may be made directly to a charity of one’s choice in which supports animals, children or cancer. (Condolences may be expressed by www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
Passing on our condolences to Yumi’s loved ones on behalf of myself and all the staff at Medicine Hat Public Library.
Jay and Jody, please accept my condolences at this sad time. Your mother lived next to my mother, Mary Brucker, and was so kind to her and protective of her, keeping a daily check. She cared about people and for that we have always been grateful. Sad to see her go, but, like my mother, she will always be with you.