The family of Sumiko Nishiyama (nee Ayukawa) announce her passing on June 27, 2024 at age 92. She will be missed by Sam, her devoted husband of 66 years. Mother to Cathy (predeceased), Rose, Judy and Mark. Loving grandma to Maiya and Makoto. Sumiko is survived by siblings Hiroko, Shizuko and Toru, and predeceased by Kaoru, Ryuko, Noboru, and Kenji.
Born in Mission, BC she worked on the family's strawberry farm before each school day. At the of age 10 years, she and her family were forcibly uprooted to New Denver and Tashme internment camps alongside 22,000 other Japanese Canadian citizens. This childhood experience affected her deeply throughout her life.
Sumiko enjoyed many enduring, supportive friendships with her cherished "Bookies", nurse classmates, and fellow plant lovers. In her early years she enjoyed curling and several volunteer pursuits at the local public school and JCCC.
She was a creative and an artisan at heart. Her talents were vast and varied including ikebana, pottery, textile arts, origami and quilting.
She had an eye for antiques and appreciating unique hand-made items.
She was passionate about gardening and plants and nurtured a natural garden with wildflowers and birds.
Sue was an avid reader with a particular affinity for biographies and was fond of sharing others' life stories.
May Sumiko find peace of mind and a lightness of being as she joins her beloved dog Benji those that have passed before.
The family is immensely grateful for the kindness and caring support received from staff at Momiji Health Care Society. A memorial service will be held at Momiji on July 11, 2024 at 3:30. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Momiji Health Care Society, Toronto Buddhist Church, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, Toronto Japanese Garden Club, or charity of your choice.