THOMAS, Mary

THOMAS

MARY MASAKO THOMAS passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 47 years, Cliff; children: Derek (Jaime) Thomas; Ryan (Sheri) Thomas; Russell (Tammy) Thomas; grandchildren: Brooklyn and Ashley Thomas. She is also survived by her siblings: Ken (Midori) Tanaka; Amy (Ron) Yakimchuk; Glen (Pam) Tanaka, and her Aunt Kimiko Oseki as well as numerous members of her husband’s family and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Asako and Moris Tanaka.

Mary was born July 5, 1941 in Vancouver, British Columbia and came to Diamond City at the age of 9 months. Soon after, Lethbridge became the city where the Tanaka family settled. After completing her education in Lethbridge, she met and married Cliff in 1970 and moved to an acreage in the Sunnyside area in 1977. In the spring of 1978 Mary and Cliff began operating Thomas Greenhouses, a business that the family ran together for 30 years. She was a devoted member of the BTSA (Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta) and spent many volunteer hours participating in Temple events.

Mary had a strong love for gardening, spending countless hours growing flowers and vegetables. Her biggest passion was her family and friends. She enjoyed special occasions and family gatherings. Her two young grandchildren always brought a smile to her face. Other favourite interests included bowling, curling and travelling. Mary enjoyed her excursions to Japan, Hong Kong, China, New Zealand, Australia and several Caribbean cruises. She enjoyed being part of the Southern Alberta community and formed many friendships through the family business and various activities throughout the years.

Mary will always be remembered for her tremendous work ethic, patience, kindness and compassion (especially for family and friends), and had the sweetest disposition.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hunt, Dr. Janzen, Dr. Kennedy as well as the many other doctors and nurses within the Cardiac program of the Chinook Regional Hospital. We would also like to thank the health care team on unit 4C for their compassionate care.

Friends and relatives are welcome to meet the family on Wednesday, September 6th, 2017 at 9:00am at THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA, 470-40th St. South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z5. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am with Rev. Y. Izumi officiating. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers and Koden, memorial donations if so desired may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Cardiac program, 960-19th St. South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5, or the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta, 470-40th St. South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z5.

To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca