Mitzi Ishida

1921 - 2017

“Mom quietly and peacefully was picked up by Dad around 10:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Linden View, knowing I was cared for. I will always cherish you, Mom, for the many lasting memories and sacrifices you made for me and for others", Love Kerry. 

 Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, October 20, 2017 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

 The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, October 21, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Taber Memorial Garden.

 Mitzi is survived by her son Kerry Ishida of Taber; her sister Mary Saruwatari of Taber and her family Kathy (Richard) Kaga and David (Brid) Saruwatari (their children Conor, Declan and Ronan); sister-in-law Tatsue Okamoto of Winnipeg and her daughter Emi; nieces and nephews Betty Honda, Diane Ishida, Del (Shelley) Ishida, Douglas (Erika) Okamoto, Bob (Deb) Okamoto and families, and her “number two son” Brian Conrad and “special redheaded daughter” Laurie Chomany. 

 She was predeceased by her husband Eikichi Ishida, her parents Shinkichi “George” and Misu Okamoto; siblings Macer (Marion), Sam, Haruco “Haddie”, Tamo, Stum, Irene and numerous in-laws. 

 Mitzi was born in Saanich, British Columbia on July 1, 1921 where she obtained her schooling and furthered her education in Vancouver at Marietta School of Fashion Design until 1942 when she married her best friend Kichi Ishida, so they could be together when evacuated to the sugar beet fields with her family. They eventually ended up at The Jack Barton farm and became an integral part of Grandma "B"'s clan. 

 Mitzi pursued her dressmaking then started working for the Fong Brothers, The Big 'T' influencing many young lives until Kerry's accident in 1976 when she became a full time caregiver. 

 Since moving to Taber, she was an active member of the United Church, singing in choir, serving as a dedicated elder, Hi-C leader and as a life member of United Church Women, as their first president. She was a visible member of the community being the daily "telephone birthday greeter" even with her own health issues and was always ready to make someone's day. She will always be remembered as a great fan, supporter and “hockey Mom", cheering us on, win or lose. "You were the best, Mom". She was an avid gardener and is remembered for her fall chrysanthemum bouquets.

 If friends so desire, in lieu of koden and flowers, memorial tributes in Mitzi’s name may be made directly to the Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1H7, to the Good Samaritan Society - Linden View Assisted Living, 4700 - 64 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G OC6 or to the charity of one's choosing. 

 Many thanks to those special caregivers at Linden View, her caring Dr. Yawney, and loyal friends who supported the family with prayers, their love and empathy.

"The best kind of people are the ones that come into your life and make you see the sun where you once saw clouds. Because of the people that believe in you so much, you start to believe in yourself too. The people that love you simply for being you, the once in a lifetime people." - Unknown, That was my Mom, Love you forever, Kerry.