Naoko (Judy) Tamayose

Naoko was born to Seisho and Matsuko (Toyama) Shima on January 21, 1935, in the southern Alberta prairie hamlet of Hardieville. She was married to Art Tamayose for 62 years. Their children include Darcy (Keith), Tracy, Ward (Bruna), Blake (Jodi), and Natalie; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Her siblings are Yoshiko Shimojho, Ray Shima, Meiko (Rob) Pennock, David Shima, Sandy (Mas) Shigehiro, and Randy (Bev) Shima. Countless nieces and nephews were also a significant part of her life. She was predeceased by her eldest brother Seiyei (Setsuko) Shimabukuro as well as sisters Miyoko (Yosh) Fujimoto, Nancy Baker.

In March 1937, at just two years old, Naoko and her sister Miyoko were sent from Southern Alberta to Hamahiga Island, Okinawa, to be raised by their grandparents, Kana and Nabe Shimabukuro. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of playing tag in the sea and diving beneath fishing boats "with eyes wide open." Always playful and mischievous, she recalled days when she’d stay late after school with friends and have to swim through high tide to get home - school books balanced on her head.

There was always the intent of bringing the children back home to Canada, but World War II prolonged their return. After the war, they made their way home, traveled by boat, then train from San Francisco to Vancouver, then through the Rocky Mountains and across the foothills to the Southern Alberta prairies – she longed for Hamahiga, but with courage beyond her 19 years, she embraced her new home.     

After returning, Naoko worked in the beet and bean fields, and later spent time working (and living upstairs) at Nakagama’s grocery store. It was during this time that she met Art, and together they built a busy, fulfilling life—one that focused on the importance of family. In later years, she worked at Automatic Electric (1970s) and Super Sam Grocers (1980s). But her greatest joy was always family.  Naoko and Art poured their heart into creating a warm and loving home, ensuring their kids had a childhood full of cherished "remember when" moments. A life richer than you can ever imagine.

Her inner desire for learning never faded. By reading the dictionary (until the pages were dog-eared) and doing crossword puzzles, she taught herself English and became trilingual, speaking English, Japanese, and Okinawan with fluency and grace. Naoko told beautiful stories with a sharp wit and wonderful sense of humor - qualities that remained even at the age of 90.

Naoko was very active and a naturally social person who thrived in the company of family and friends. She found joy in golf, joining a league and traveling with dad on golf trips, and also spent years bowling in a five-pin league, where her competitive spirit shone. Some of her happiest moments were at Kelly’s Confectionary or at the kitchen table, playing cards with dear friends like Auntie Min and Auntie Masa. Her love for singing flourished in her karaoke club, where she sang with joy, even traveling to Hawaii for international fellowship

As her family grew, so did her love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She became their most devoted cheerleader, never missing a chance to celebrate their achievements— whether on the field, in the classroom, or as they pursued their biggest dreams. As a grandma, Naoko always offered encouragement, wisdom, and love that knew no bounds.

Naoko’s warmth and generosity were best expressed through her extraordinary cooking. Even the simplest of dishes, gohan and tsukemono (rice and pickles), was prepared with love. She also cherished her Okinawan heritage, playing the sanshin and teaching Okinawan odori (dance) for decades, preparing generations of issei, nisei, sansei, and yonsei for the Okinawan Cultural Society keirokai at Rainbow Hall, picnics at Jorgenson’s Farm, and community performances. Art and Nao wove their strong values and the richness of Okinawan heritage into the fabric of their Canadian family and community, ensuring the two beautiful traditions lived on.

Naoko’s love and grace will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched and the family she so cherished.

“Mom, have a wonderful reunion with Dad, family, and friends, and have a safe journey back and forth from your beloved Hamahiga Island to the beautiful Southern Alberta prairies. Happy, happy!”

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the kind, gentle, and professional Palliative Care Team at St. Michael’s and the nurses and doctors at the Chinook Regional Hospital. In addition, we are grateful to family and friends from near and far. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A Celebration of Life in honour of both Art and Nao will be held at the Sandman Signature - Lethbridge Lodge (Anton’s Ballroom), 320 Scenic Drive South. Lethbridge, at 12:00 noon, on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

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