TAMAYOSE, Naoko “Judy”

Naoko (Judy) Tamayose January 21, 1935 – March 5, 2025 90 years old Naoko was born to Seisho and Matsuko (Toyama) Shima on January 21, 1935, in Hardieville, Alberta. She was married to Art Tamayose for 62 years. Their children include Darcy (Keith), Tracy, Ward (Bruna), Blake (Jodi), and Natalie; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her remaining siblings are Yoshiko Shimojho, Ray Shima, Meiko (Rob) Pennock, David Shima, Sandy (Mas) Shigehiro, and Randy (Bev) Shima. She was predeceased by her eldest brother Seiyei (Setsuko) Shimabukuro, as well as her sisters Miyoko (Yosh) Fujimoto and Nancy Baker. Countless nieces and nephews were also a significant part of her life. Sadly, she passed away on March 05, 2025 at the age of 90 years old.
In March 1937, at two years old, Naoko and her sister Miyoko were sent to Hamahiga Island, Okinawa, to be raised by their grandparents, Kana and Nabe Shimabukuro. She often reminisced about playing tag in the sea and diving beneath fishing boats. Always playful and mischievous, she recalled days when she’d stayed late after school with friends and had to swim through high tide to get home – school books balanced on her head.
The Second World War delayed their return. Eventually back in Canada, they traveled back to the Alberta prairies by boat and train, crossing the Rocky Mountains. Naoko then worked in the beet and bean fields, and later spent time working (and living upstairs) at Nakagama’s store. It was during this time that she met Art. Together they built a busy, fulfilling life that focused on the importance of family. As her family grew, so did the love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She became their most devoted cheerleader, celebrating every milestone, big or small.
A gifted storyteller with sharp wit, she carried a wonderful sense of humour throughout her 90 years. A naturally social person, Naoko found joy in golf leagues, five-pin bowling, and lively card games with Auntie Min and Auntie Masa at Kelly’s Confectionary. Her love for singing flourished in her karaoke club.
Naoko’s warmth and generosity were best expressed through her extraordinary cooking. She also cherished her Okinawan heritage, playing the sanshin, and teaching Okinawan odori (dance) for decades. Art and Nao wove their strong values and the richness of Okinawan heritage into the fabric of their Canadian family and community, ensuring the two beautiful traditions lived on.
“Have a wonderful reunion with Dad, family, and friends, Mom – and have a safe journey back and forth from your beloved Hamahiga Island to the beautiful southern Alberta prairies. Happy, happy!”
We would like to extend our appreciation to the Palliative Care Team at St. Michael’s and the nurses and doctors at the Chinook Regional Hospital. In addition, we are grateful to family and friends from near and far.
A Celebration of Life in honour of both Art and Nao will be held at the Sandman Signature – Lethbridge Lodge (Anton’s Ballroom), 320 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, March 22, 2025. For those unable to attend in person, live streaming will be available by visiting www.generationsfh.ca and scrolling to the bottom of Naoko’s obituary.
To send condolences, please visit www.generationsfh.ca