1919 ~ NISHIMOTO ~ 2014

Just as the sun was rising on April 24, 2014, Matsumi Nishimoto, at the age of 94 years, passed away peacefully in the arms of her daughter and surrounded by the love of her family – a reciprocation of a lifetime of love that she generously showered on them.
Matsumi was predeceased by her husband, Ted Chikao Nishimoto, and her son, Satoru. She is lovingly remembered by her 3 daughters: Linda (John) Hashem, Wendy (Bob) MacPhail, and Amy (Scott) Nishimoto-Warren; her grandchildren: Jim Witts, Kenji (Amanda) Witts, Rayko (Rob) Blyth, Stephen MacPhail, Jamie MacPhail (Matt McDonald), Brendon Nishimoto- Warren, Emiko Nishimoto-Warren, Celina (Rob) Symmonds, Laurie Ling (Kyle Kuntz); and her great grandchildren: Jimmy, Kaitlyn, Kyler, Cameron, Miyoko, Tyra, Courtney, Brooklynn, Savannah, McKenna, Kodi, Dylan, Jesse, Reanne, and Austin.
She is also survived by 2 sisters (Kaoru, Kimiko) and 1 brother (Tsukasa) in Japan. She is also survived by numerous other relatives in Japan and Vancouver. She was predeceased by a brother (Sadanobu), a sister (Sadae), sisters-in-law (Kimiko, Hatsumi, Tokie), and a brother-in-law (Tatsuki) in Japan.
Matsumi was born on August 1, 1919 in Kamijinnai, Ozumachi, Kumamoto-ken, Japan. She attended a vocational school and specialized in cooking, sewing, clothing design, and flower arrangement (ikebana). She married Chikao in 1937. In 1941, they had a son, Satoru, and on her own, braved the devastation of his death at the age of 4 years. Chikao had been traveling back and forth from Japan to Canada in order to establish a life in Canada. Ultimately and unfortunately, the war then kept the couple apart for 14 years.
In 1954, Matsumi courageously left Japan and her family behind. After an arduous 14 day journey on a ship, she was finally able to be reunited with Chikao. Together they lived in Seven Persons, Ralston, and in Medicine Hat where she resided until her passing. She worked at Burk’s Draperies, BATUS, and along with her husband at his Sunrise Market Garden, making many good friends along the way. She had her “good friends”, “work friends”, “neighbor friends”, “bus friends”, “hospital friends”. She was passionate about cooking, gardening, and sewing, but her greatest times of enjoyment were when she had her family around her. Many remember the fabulous meals, especially the New Year’s dinners, she prepared for family and friends. She was an inspiration to her family especially when, for 11 years, she became a dedicated caregiver to her husband during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was always filled with love and pride for her family. Her gentle and generous spirit is the legacy she has left them. Matsumi was fortunate enough to visit her family in Japan several times. On one trip, she fulfilled her dream when all three daughters accompanied her in order to “build a bridge” between the families and the two countries. On her most recent trip to Japan in 2010 (although she always wanted to go back to Japan), she quietly informed her family there that it is likely her last visit. She will see them again. Ja matta, ne.
The Funeral Service will be held in SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. In lieu of Koden or flowers, memorial gifts in Matsumi’s memory may be made to the Riverview Care Centre Resident’s Fund, 603 Prospect Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4C2 or to the Alzheimer Society (Palliser Region), 401D – 3rd Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0G8. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Matsumi Nishimoto. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599