Mary Sumiko Huumonen

HUUMONEN MARY SUMIKO HUUMONEN (nee Kariatsumari) passed away unexpectedly at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, at the age of 67 years. She will be dearly missed by her daughter Lisa (Cameron) Sutherland and granddaughters Ella and Sophie. Mary was born in Cardston, AB in 1946. She was the youngest daughter of Fujiye and Tokiyoshi Kariatsumari. She is survived by her brother Koji (Elaine) Kari, and sisters Yoko (Danny - deceased) Nishimura, Heidi (Yoichi - deceased) Oishi, Jan (Tak) Okamura and Irene Karia. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother, Rick. Mary spent most of her youth in Picture Butte helping on the family farm growing sugar beets, potatoes and vegetables. She graduated from Medical Lab Sciences at the University of Alberta in 1968. Mary worked for many years at the Victoria General Hospital as a Microbiology Lab Technician. She moved to Vancouver upon retirement to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Mary was a devoted and active grandmother and will be remembered for her 'adventure walks'. Mary loved dogs. Willy, her cocker spaniel, was her beloved companion. She loved travelling "anywhere" and was a great travel companion for family and friends. She spent countless hours tending her flower garden, playing card games and going to the casino with her sisters. Mary was unfortunately diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) earlier this year. She faced this disease with courage and grace. She made the most of her time doing what she loved most, surrounded by the people most dear to her. Her greatest fear was the thought of becoming a burden to her family and friends. She will be remembered for her ever-present smile, easy companionship, and her open and accepting nature. Mary had a generous spirit and always put the welfare of others before her own. The family would like to thank the countless healthcare professionals and agencies who assisted Mary on this journey. A family service will held on Saturday, October 26, at the BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA (470 40th St. S, Lethbridge, AB), with Rev. Izumi officiating. Koden and flowers gratefully declined. If you so desire, donations may be made in memory of Mary to the ALS Society of B.C. (1233-13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, B.C., V6V 2X7)

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