Obituary - Yumi Saka
Yumi Saka
1938 - 2018
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Yumiko “Yumi” Reni Saka announce her passing at St. Joseph’s - Carmel Hospice on Monday, April 23, 2018, at the age of 80 years. She was born in Mission City, B.C., on (April 4, 1938) but her birth was registered on April 29, 1938, to Eiji and Yasu Tashiro and attended school in Coalhurst. Yumi had many wonderful traits that included her caring nature, thoughtful and selfless care for her patients, a great mentor and dedicated teacher and sometimes bossy and stubborn with those she worked with; but above all, loving and warm hearted. She loved gardening, reading (wore out her library card), volunteering, golf, hockey, the Flames and of course, figure skating. Yumi worked first as a Lab Tech and then as the ultimate nurse in Honolulu and in Medicine Hat. Yumi was a member of the Nursing Association and was recognized for an award in 2008 for actively working until the age of 70 years. There were many other achievements throughout the years in nursing and in her volunteer life. Yumi especially enjoyed the sunsets of Hawaii, seeing a baby born and the activities of her own children during their youth. She was extremely fond of her pets, Kekoa, Zoe and grand-puppy, Junior. Yumi’s memory will be forever treasured in the hearts of her children; Jay Saka of Edmonton and Jody Saka (Tom Oliver) of Atlanta, Georgia; Jack Saka (father of Jay and Jody); sister, Lily Kamachi of New Westminster, B.C. as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba; “surrogate” grandmother to her many friends’ children and grandchildren. Yumi was predeceased by her parents, Eiji and Yasu Tashiro; brother, Masami “Sami” Tashiro and sister, Kazuko Tashiro. The Celebration of Yumi’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. Everyone attending the Funeral Service is asked to bring a copy of a photo of Yumi for the photo memory book. For those unable to attend; the Funeral Service will be Live Streamed on the Cook Southland webpage at www.cooksouth land.com and you watch the service by clicking on the link on the Home Page. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Yumi’s name may be made directly to a charity of one’s choice in which supports animals, children or cancer.
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Shari Laubenstein:
Apr 26, 2018 at 10:19 AM
I am so sorry to hear of Yumi's passing. She was a big part of our lives and will be missed. My thoughts are with the family.
Bob & Edie Oliver:
Apr 26, 2018 at 05:11 PM
Dearest Jody,
Wishing you calm and peace as you celebrate all of the good times you and your mom shared.
Bob & Edie
Sev & Hazel Barber:
Apr 26, 2018 at 11:16 PM
To: The Saka family.
Please accept our heartfelt thoughts and condolences in regards to your Mom's passing. Both Yumi and I spent many hours in the employ of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital which brought us together in many ways. She was such a dedicated person in her profession and such a good friend. Yumi loved to laugh and we did so many times at work and in private. You can be extremely proud of your Mom. I will never forget her and I hope this note helps you through this difficult time.
Greg and Mary Ann Kennedy - Halifax, NS:
Apr 27, 2018 at 12:45 PM
So sorry to hear of Yumi's passing. We had lots of great times both socially and professionally in and out of the Hospital setting in the "good old days" with a great group of friends at that time. She was always so thoughtful and caring to everyone.
Randy, Terra and Lynette (Rims of Steel Optiks):
Apr 27, 2018 at 01:51 PM
We would like to extend our sincere condolences on the passing of Yumi. She was one of our favorite patients/ friend and we always enjoyed when she would come in and visit with us.
Nancy Uchida:
Apr 27, 2018 at 02:20 PM
I am so sorry to hear Yumi passed away. As children, we use to do sailor dances together and perform at shibai's. When I visited my mother in Taber several years ago, Yumi came to join us for lunch and we had a nice visit. My thoughts and prayers go to the family. She will be missed.
Michael Rice:
Apr 27, 2018 at 03:24 PM
My dear friend Jody (and Tom). I am so sorry to hear about your Mother and I know that there are so many special memories to hold dearly in your heart forever. My special thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
Michael Rice
Lily Kamachi:
Apr 30, 2018 at 01:56 AM
Dear Yumi,
You are leaving us all too soon. As the oldest of our family, I should have had the privilege of going first but, it doesn't always happen that way. On behalf of the remaining family in BC, who could not be there to say farewell to you, our thoughts and love will be with you all. To the congregation - I would like to say "Arigato", Thank You to the many of Yumi's loyal friends and neighbors for supporting her and for your kindness throughout. She often spoke of you all and was really appreciative. She was very lucky!
Big Sis. Lil. and the clan.
Karrie Westphal:
Apr 30, 2018 at 11:54 AM
Jody and Tom, my thoughts are with you both today as you celebrate Yumi's life. Your mother was lucky to have you help and support her through her illness. I wish I could have met her to hear her side of the stories of you and Jay growing up on the Farm. xoxo Karrie & Jeff
George Yuhas:
Apr 30, 2018 at 12:59 PM
Jody, I am so sad to hear of your mom's passing. She was such a beautiful person. It all started at the rink, then moved on later into life. Cherish the beautiful memories you made with your mom. She will always be watching over you. Don Cowan also sends his condolences.
Sherry Walker:
Apr 30, 2018 at 08:20 PM
I valued Yumi she gave all . She was a large part of a group of friends that set up my kidney transplant golfing fundraiser. Yumi was a special care giver and I loved her smile, her positive attitude and her energy. Sorry I missed the funeral, I had an appointment in Calgary today. God bless all of you. Your loved one was very special. Sherry walker
Twyla Sirovyak:
May 01, 2018 at 09:36 PM
Jay, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Both you and your Mother were such a pleasure and I was delighted when I got her call that she’d moved back to Medicine Hat. Your Mother was a very special lady!