MICHIKO LILY ONOTERA

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MICHIKO LILY ONOTERA After a short illness, Michiko Lily Onotera (nee Fukumura) passed away peacefully on February 15, 2015 at the age of 97. Lily will be sadly missed by her husband Tatsuo (Gramps), son Rod (Shelagh), grandchildren Steven, Michael, Kerri and Graeme, nieces, nephews, and many friends at The Parkway. Mom was predeceased by her sisters Tokiko Hirayama and Asako Taniguchi. She was born on December 13, 1917 at Claxton Cannery on the Skeena River near Prince Rupert, BC. As a young woman she learned the craft of dressmaking from her mother, and together they owned and operated a dress making shop in Vancouver before the Second World War. During the war she was relocated to Greenwood, BC where she met her husband Gramps, with whom she spent 71 wonderful years of marriage. At the end of the war Manitoba became their home. Lily's talents as a seamstress were appreciated by clients at Holt Renfrew, The Bay and particularly by her family. Her artistic ability allowed her to venture into and excel at new hobbies such as hat making, pottery/ceramics and ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arranging. Although she loved staying close to home, she enjoyed trips to Japan, Hawaii and the BC coast. She was active in the Manitoba Japanese Canadian community volunteering in many events at the Manitoba Japanese Cultural Centre. Her expertise at Asian cooking was enjoyed at many a family Sunday dinner and her love for tea and Japanese food was passed on to all of us. In the latter years, the Japanese food that she loved was enjoyed during outings to her favourite restaurant, Yujiro. The greatest joy of her life was her family. Her kindness, compassion and never ending love will be treasured by those she leaves behind. A memorial service in honour of her long and well lived life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 3:30 p.m. at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. The family would like to extend their special thanks to Dr. C. Lowden, Dr. K. Schellenberg, the staff of the Victoria General Hospital Unit 4 and Sharon Davis of The Parkway. We also appreciate the kindness and support of our friends and family at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Lily's name to the Victoria General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. secure.thevicfoundation.ca/ sslpage.aspx?pid=298 THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Feb 21, 2015

MICHIKO LILY ONOTERA On Sunday, February 15, 2015 Michiko Lily Onotera, beloved wife of Tatsuo, passed away in the Victoria Hospital at the age of 97. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 1 at 3:30 p.m. in Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. A longer obituary will follow. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Feb 19, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2015