Ayako 'Kaye' Otsuka

Kaye Otsuka

October 11, 1916 to Sept 16,2019

    Ayako (Kaye) Otsuka has taken off on her final journey, Sept 16, 2019 with no return ticket.

She leaves behind her daughter, Neva (Sut) Oishi; granddaughters, Kara (Eric) Coffey, Joelle (Tyler) Thornhill; grandson, Craig (Karen) Oishi; and great grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Lauren Oishi, Elise and Claire Coffey, Nolan and Akemi Thornhill.  Survived by nephews and nieces.  Will be missed by Rev. Aldeen McKay and Sonia Sitz.

    Predeceased by parents, Torao and Asa Amemori; brother, Mitsuo (Kikue) Amemori; sisters, Tomiko (Fred) Imakire, Akiko (Gus) Moriyama, Kinko (Tucker) Hironaka and Chieko (Jack) Nishiyama.

    Ayako was born in Port Moody BC, grade school in BC, High School in Japan and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge. She and her family were evacuated from the west coast, transplanted into Alberta, and started a new life.  She worked from sugar beet farms to a housekeeper, then to clerk, and then to a bookkeeper where she eventually retired. She taught Japanese for many years and continued to help Japanese immigrants from Japan.   She travelled around the world in later years.  Kaye participated in many activities at LSCO (Lethbridge Senior Center) including Tai Chi, teaching computer and art classes.  Art was the love of her life as she taught various forms of art into her late 90’s.  She won many honors and awards and was admired by many.  She lived a remarkable life through trials and tribulations.

    There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service on Saturday Sept. 21, 2019 at  11:00 am at Mckillop United Methodist Church followed by meet the family in the reception area.

    Mom requested no flowers or koden.  She cared for the homeless and street children. She would appreciate your donation going to Streets Alive, 323 4th Street S. Lethbridge AB T1J 1Z9 or Covenant House 575 Drake St. Vancouver B.C. V6B 4K8.

    Special thanks to Dr. Yamashita, Dr. Shukkoor and the staff at Cedar Creek Adaptacare for their compassionate care.

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