In memory of

Toshiko Oikawa

July 22, 1926 -  July 21, 2024

Oikawa, Toshiko (Toshi), 22 July 1926-21 July 2024. Eldest child of Naka Oikawa and Kimiye (née Mikami). Born in White Rock, B.C., and raised in Fraser Mills, she and her family were forced to leave their home in 1942 and interned at Kaslo, relocating after war’s end to Vineland Station, Ontario, where they supported themselves as farmworkers. After high school, Toshi secured work with Bell Canada, remaining until she took early retirement to care for her parents. She gave selflessly to the East York community, volunteering in elementary schools and libraries as well as organizing countless presentations on Japanese arts and culture. If you grew up in Leaside and know how to fold a crane, chances are it all began with Toshi. An early member of the Toronto Japanese Garden Club, she served as President and with her friend Gloria Sumiye, did the hardest, least glamorous jobs to keep the club afloat. Her prodigious efforts in the campaign for Japanese Canadian redress led to service on the Mayor’s Committee on Multiculturalism and Racism and the Nikkei Voice newspaper. An informed and faithful patron of the arts, she completed university courses at night, augmenting her education with tours to Stratford and participation in programs at the Toronto Symphony and the ROM, where she volunteered. She generously supported Vietnamese refugee resettlement, and environmental and indigenous causes. Compassionate to others, demanding of self, loyal to a fault, she embodied the old Meiji ways leavened with rich dollops of humour and forgiveness. Predeceased by her brothers Tetsuo and Haruo, she is survived by sister Nobuko and her family of the heart, Chris and Gail. Thanks to the kind support workers at Revera, John Hoffman and Ontario Health at Home, Temmy Latner Centre, and to Dr. Wrensford Simmonds for his years of care. Private family service has been held. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Toronto Chapter, National Association of Japanese Canadians (:
https://the-greater-toronto-chapter-of-the-najc.square.site/product/toronto-najc-supporter/3?cs=true, Nikkei Voice (http://nikkeivoice.ca/donate-to-nikkei-voice), Japanese Social Services JSS (https://jss.ca/en/jss-support/donation/), Momiji Health Care Society (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/10112?v2=true), or Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (https://jccc.on.ca/join-support/donate/make-donation) would be appreciated. To receive or share information privately with family please contact OikawaWelcome@yahoo.com.

Guestbook 

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Jan Nobuto (Friend)

Entered July 29, 2024 from Mississauga

I met Toshi while volunteering at the JCCC Heritage Archives. I learned so much from her about the JC war experiences and their resettlement in the Niagara region. Her stories were so enlightening and she generously shared them with us while we worked. I so enjoyed being with her and will miss her dearly, but will carry many lovely memories with me.
Always,
Jan

Laura Takata 

Entered July 29, 2024 from Fonthill

My heartfelt condolences to the Oikawa family and their dearest friends.

I have fond memories of Tosh, who tirelessly helped and inspired so many people within the community. Images of her at the garden show, ROM, JCCC, NAJC, and ikebana shows run through my mind; her gentle smile and kind demeanour warms my heart as I remember each origami fold she taught me.

Lots of love.

Yosh Inouye (Friend)

Entered July 29, 2024 from Toronto

I am very saddened by Mrs. Oikawa's passing. Mrs. Oikawa was an active volunteer at the JCCC for many years. I have fond memories of meeting her every week at the JCCC.

Randi Johnston Foley (Friend)

Entered August 2, 2024 from Newmarket ON

I am very saddened to learn of Toshi passing. She was a beautiful soul that enriched my childhood and my life. I have many fond memories of her from Saturday Morning Club and events at the Japanese Cultural Centre. She taught me Origami and brush painting and I learned the art of dressing in Kimono. She opened up my world to many wonders of Japanese culture as she did with so many people young and old. A beautiful soul who has left a lasting legacy with all who knew her. Rest well dear Toshi. You gave so much to so many. Your Light shines bright.❤🙏❤

Suzanne Hartmann 

Entered August 2, 2024 from Toronto

Sincere condolences to the family on this huge loss. I knew Toshie from my early days at Nikkei Voice where she was always so positive and encouraging. I remember her smiling and cheerful demeanour and helpful nature. She did much to support the community and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Photos 

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