Mary Oikawa

It is with great sadness that the family share the news of the unexpected loss of Mary Oikawa on September 26, 2009 in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 73 years. Besides her loving husband, Kazumi (Tricky), Mary leaves behind two children, Dean (Carole Anne), and Scott. She is survived by two brothers Tom (Amy) Endo of White Rock, BC., and Allen (Jackie) Endo of Kelowna, BC; two sisters Ethel (Blaine) Swanson of Taber, AB., and Joyce (Dave) Galpin of Calgary, AB.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Jim and Annie Endo of Barnwell, AB. and sister Jene Ohama of Ranier, AB. Mary was born in Vancouver, BC on October 1, 1935 the third of six children of Jim and Annie Endo. The Endo family later settled in Barnwell, Alberta. Mary graduated from W.R. Myers in Taber at the age of 16. She completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at UBC and finished a second degree, her Bachelor of Education, at the University of Alberta and entered into the teaching profession at the age of 21. She taught school for 35 years, retiring from the Picture Butte High School in 1990. Volunteering in the community was a major part of Mary's life. She touched many people and participated in numerous committees and organizations including Lethbridge and Montana American Legion baseball, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame, where she was also an inductee, Lethbridge Chojukai, Lethbridge Curling Club, Coaldale Minor Hockey and many others. Mary was an avid New York Yankee and Toronto Maple Leaf fan, and an enthusiastic curler. Her many talents and vibrant personality will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Please join us in celebrating Mary's life at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2009 at McKillop United Church, 2329-15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, with Rev. Trevor Potter officiating. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Koden is gratefully declined.

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