Molly Ito

1919 - 2016

Surrounded by her children, Hideko Molly Ito, beloved wife of the late Jack Ito, passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, September 26, 2016 at the age of 97 years.

A private burial service attended by immediate family was held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service.

A private funeral service was held at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta, Lethbridge on Saturday, October 1, 2016.

Molly is survived by her children Marie Mura of Calgary, Toshi (Bob) Miyanaga of Taber, Jean (John) Miyanaga of Taber, Irene (Jim) Tanaka of Richmond, British Columbia, Ken Ito of Taber, Roy (Joyce) Ito of Cranford and Suzanne (Ray) Thibodeau of Cranford, along with her thirteen grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She will be fondly remembered as well by her nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Jack Ito; parents Naotaro and Yuki Sunada; siblings Ayako (Tanekichi) Imahashi, Kenichi Sunada, Mas (Miyo) Sunada and son-in-law Tom Mura.

Molly was born on Minstrel Island, British Columbia on February 28, 1919. She was the third child born to Naotaro & Yuki Sunada.

Molly and Jack were happily married for fifty six years. They wed on November 23, 1938 in Surrey, British Columbia and later moved to Alberta where they settled in Cranford, began farming, and raised a close and loving family.

To her family, Molly was the center of their universe. Still at the age of ninety seven, Grams' house was home to all. Whether it was birthdays, babies or family gatherings big or small, she welcomed everyone in and brought out the best in them.

Even after raising seven kids and twenty six grandchildren and great grandchildren, she still found time for baking, bowling, gardening, sewing, A&W breakfast outings and her favourite of all, the slot machines and the Calgary Flames.

Molly exuded a sense of peacefulness to those who knew her and she had the ability to make everyone feel at ease. She loved her family and her life. She lived it with such compassion, kindness, love and positivity that it made her truly special to all. Words cannot describe how much she will be missed.

If friends so desire in lieu of flowers and Koden, memorial tributes in Molly’s name may be made to the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta, 470 - 40 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta TIJ 3Z5 or to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.