Hideko Kounosu

KOUNOSU MRS. HIDEKO (Heidi) KOUNOSU passed suddenly away on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at home. She was born in Japan on June 8, 1935. After graduating from Mita Highschool in Tokyo she worked as an assistant to the research group for Norin-Chuou-Ginkou (Central Agricultural Bank). In 1958 she married Shigeru who soon after went to the University of Pennsylvania as a graduate student. She joined him in 1961. Both children, Leah and Kenn were born in Philadelphia. After Shigeru finished his Ph.D. in High Energy Nuclear Physics and got a position in Princeton University, they moved to Princeton, New Jersey. It was the time of the Vietnam War and they were active in the Peace movement. In 1967 the family, Shigeru, Hideko, Leah, Kenn immigrated to Canada. Joined with the newly born University of Lethbridge, they settled in Lethbridge, Alberta. At the University, Heidi attained a BA degree in History and French. She joined the University Choir as she loved music. Also, she became very active in the Lethbridge Buddhist Church. She was involved in the Canadian Buddhist Women's Federation and helped organize the World Convention of Buddhist Women. To list a few of the positions she held: 1983 to present, President of the Lethbridge Buddhist Women's Association. 1991 - 1995, Buddhist Church of Canada Board Member. 1991, 1994, 1996, Council Representative from Canada to the World Buddhist Women's Association Meetings. Combined with her love of music she created Southern Alberta Buddhist Choir and performed in many church related functions. She was fluent in several languages. By that, she helped the Canada-Japan exchange program at the University of Lethbridge. In addition to all these achievements, her compassion carried her to work at the Soup Kitchen. She is survived by her husband Shigeru, and in Japan daughter Leah (Yoshihiro Kimata), son Kenn (Tomoko) and her brothers: Masahiko, Yoshihio, Kazuo and Akino, and her sister Mariko Akino. Funeral Services will be held at the LETHBRIDGE BUDDHIST TEMPLE, 1303-13 Street North, Lethbridge on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 10:00 a.m., with Rev. Y. Izumi officiating. Flowers and Koden are respectfully declined. Those who wish may choose their own charity for donation to remember Heidi.

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