In memory of

Nancy Yoshiko Katsumi

August 29, 1933 -  August 13, 2023

Nancy Yoshiko Katsumi (nee Sumida)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Nancy Yoshiko Katsumi. She was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on August 29, 1933. Nancy passed away at home at the age of 89 surrounded by her family on August 13, 2023. Nancy was the beloved wife of Shoji [predeceased] and treasured sister of Tatsuo [predeceased], Sumie [predeceased] (Shigeo - predeceased), Masao (Michiko), Susan (Robert - predeceased) and sister-in-law of Sayoko [predeceased] (Otsuro – predeceased), Kinichi [predeceased] (Eiko – predeceased), George [predeceased] (Kotoyo – predeceased), Kayoko [predeceased] (Tokuharu – predeceased], Miyeko (Tom), Atsuko (Yutaka), Akiko (James). She will forever be the devoted aunt to Teri (Bruce - predeceased), David (Anna), Beverly (Daniel), Rodney (Florie), Randy (Janice), Ingo (Aimee), Ronald (Phieng), Victoria (Derek), Dawn, Raymond (Serena) and extended nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by her great-nieces and -nephews Steven (Mandy), Julie (Scott), Sara, Kassandra, Patrisha, Kailey, Brennan, Nicholas, Sakura, John, Kazumi, Maya, Ryan and extended great-nieces and -nephews.

Nancy was an amazing woman filled with joy and passion - a life well-lived. Most of all she loved her family. She took immense pleasure in spending time with them every opportunity she could. Not having children of her own, she embraced and treasured all the moments, and memories made with her nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. She was a woman who was filled with kindness and loved spending time laughing and sharing memories over a wonderfully cooked meal with her family, friends and neighbours. Nancy was an avid gardener and mealtimes would often include eating the fruits of her labour and a beautiful vase of flowers as a centerpiece. She worked for the Canadian Government for over 25 years and in her spare time, she would tend to her garden, shape her bonsai, sew, knit, craft and go shopping. Nancy enjoyed travelling with her late husband, Shoji, where she made precious memories as they travelled to Hawaii, the US and Japan.

Nancy was well loved and known for her generosity and kindness. She was truly a remarkable person who will be fondly remembered by all her family and friends and all whose lives she touched.

Family and friends will be received at Mount Pleasant Cemetery and Funeral Centre (375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto) on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm. A private family service will take place after visitation.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to neighbours, friends and family who have been a tremendous support to us. Your messages, prayers, condolences and continued support are very much appreciated during this difficult time. All are encouraged to share words of comfort, stories and photos with the family using the “Guestbook” tab below.

Guestbook 

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Rob Caldarelli (Family friend)

Entered August 19, 2023 from Campbellville

I only had the pleasure of meeting her briefly once but during that short time I could feel she had a special energy that made everyone around her feel better. My condolence to everyone in the family.

Dawn Daughton (Niece)

Entered August 20, 2023 from Maple Ridge, BC

We will miss your laugh and your hugs (and your futomaki made with so much care) Auntie Nancy. As you reunite with Uncle Shoji, know our hearts are with you.
Love,
Dawn, Sakura and John

Teri Belyea (Niece)

Entered August 26, 2023 from Odessa

Thank you aunt Nancy for the many kindnesses and memories. You taught me how to play cards when I was 8yrs old, and was there for me when I lost kotoyo and George and my husband Scott. You set a wonderful example of patience, humor, and compassion, and you lived life to the fullest.
You will be sorely missed by all who knew you and you will never be forgotten.
You are with uncle Shoji now and you are at peace.

Ron, Phieng & Maya Shiga (Nephew(Wife), Great niece)

Entered August 28, 2023 from Etobicoke

Hi, I wanted to start off by telling you how I spent my Saturday nights growing up...

My Aunty and uncles would have poker nights every weekend. All of the kids would venture off and explore where to play. Of course, at Aunty Nancy's and Uncle Shoji's house, it was the basement. We would play for hours, then we might watch a bit of TV using their wired, rectangle, push-button remote TV converter. A fond memory I'll never forget!

Another memory at their house, is how we would celebrate every New Year's Day there, eating a variety of amazing Japanese dishes. Now, as an adult, I realize how much work that took. Thank you, Aunty Nancy and Uncle Shoji, for all of our New Year's Day dinner memories growing up!

As everyone may know, Aunty moved into a condo with her sister. Before she moved into her condo, I helped Aunty shovel her driveway, every winter for 10 years. Once it would snow, I would knock on Auntie's door, Aunty would come outside all bundled up, and she would help me by sweeping off her steps with her broom. Once my daughter was old enough to walk, we would both go over to Aunty's house together. I would be shoveling Aunty's driveway, and Maya would be making snow angels, I remember that would put a big smile on Aunty's face, and also mine!
After finishing, Aunty would always surprise Maya with a Japanese treat for the drive home. It was a simple memory but I will always cherish it, since it wasn't just about doing a chore, but time spent laughing, checking in on one another and tackling new adventures together! The first winter not shoveling Aunty's snow was initially a relief, but honestly, I missed it. It was a nice excuse to see Aunty and catch up on things.

Aunty Nancy, I am going to miss talking to you on the phone, which wasn't often enough but was deeply cherished. I am going to miss you! You were always so nice to me and my family.

Thank you for everything.

Photos 

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