KATHLEEN (KATHY) UTSUNOMIYA

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KATHLEEN (KATHY) UTSUNOMIYA

(nee MIYAUCHI)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Kathy Utsunomiya on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the age of 89.

Kathy will be lovingly remembered by her children, Kevin (Cathy Jo) and Sandi. Kathy was predeceased by her husband, Ken; parents, Yoshia and Sua Miyauchi; brothers, Masao, Jack and Jim; sisters, Ida and Kimiko, and brothers-in-law, Yasuo and Harumi. She is survived by her siblings, Mary (Terry), Marj, Bill (Heather), Archie (Lori), and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy was born on December 8, 1936, in Brandon, Manitoba, and her family moved to Alberta in 1942. During a visit in Winnipeg with her sister, Kim, and her brother-in-law, Yas, she spent time sightseeing with Yas’ brother, Ken, whom she knew growing up as a family friend. This visit eventually led to Ken and Kathy getting married in Winnipeg in 1962 - it was always interesting to explain to people that two sisters married two brothers.

In Winnipeg, Kathy worked as a secretary in downtown offices and would recall how she enjoyed going shopping at Eaton’s and The Bay during her lunch breaks. In 1972, the family moved to Brandon for Ken’s job at the college, and Kathy later worked at the TD Bank for a number of years.

Kathy and Ken enjoyed travelling, including trips to Japan, Hawaii, Canada’s east coast, west coast and the Rockies. She always enjoyed looking at flowers, with the many flower beds at their home on Dogwood Blvd., and during trips to the Peace Gardens, Lethbridge Japanese Gardens, Butchart Gardens and The Leaf in Winnipeg. Kathy liked visiting with friends and family, knitting and crocheting, shopping at the mall, and eating “real” food, especially at JCAM Horizon Club lunches. But dogs would always light up Kathy’s face the most. She enjoyed spending time with her niece’s dogs (her “grandpuppies”), with dogs that visited her care homes, and would try to pet any dog that came within her reach.

The family would like to express their gratitude and deepest appreciation to Dr. Ball and to all of the first floor staff at River Park Gardens Personal Care Home for their extraordinary care and compassion during Kathy’s time there. Thank you to Libby and her dog, Charlie, and to Sue and her dog, Henry, for their visits that were always the highlight of her day. Heartfelt thanks to her niece, Carol and her late husband Bill, and her niece, Terry and husband Tom, for all they did for her over the years.

A private funeral service will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Kathy may be made to the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba or to an animal shelter of one’s choice.

Condolences: www.memorieschapel.com

As published in Brandon Sun, Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 04, 2026