HADDIE OKAMOTO

1913 - 2009

It is with sadness we announce the death of our beloved sister and aunt, Haruco "Haddie" Okamoto in Taber on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at the age of 96 years.
She is survived by her sisters, Mitzi Ishida and Mary Saruwatari both of Taber and a sister-in-law, Tatsue Okamoto of Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Douglas (Erika) Okamoto of San Leandro, California and their son Bryan; Kerry Ishida of Taber; Robert (Debbie) Okamoto and family of Woodbridge, Ontario; Kathy (Richard) Kaga of Vancouver, British Columbia; Emi Okamoto of Winnipeg, Manitoba; David (Brid) Saruwatari of Rathvilly, Ireland and their sons Conor, Declan & Ronan. She will be fondly remembered by her cousins, Aiko Okamoto of Seattle, Washington and her children Jean (Ray) Kusumi of Renton, Washington, John (Dawn-Michelle) Okamoto of Seattle, Washington, Dr. Jim Okamoto of Honolulu, Hawaii and their families; Jane (David) Shartle of Oceanside, California and their daughter Alyssa along with many extended family members.
She was predeceased by her parents Misu & Shinkichi “George” Okamoto; sister Irene; brothers Muss and his wife Marion, Sam, Tamo and Stum; brothers-in-law Kich Ishida and Tak Saruwatari.
Haddie was born at Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, a resort about twenty miles from Victoria (Saanich) on April 8, 19l3 and when she and her siblings were ready to go to school, the Okamoto’s moved to the city.
Being the eldest daughter in a family of four boys and four girls, Haddie was like a second "Mom" to her younger siblings. Like many persons in the depression years, she only graduated from an elementary level. She did however further her education taking night school classes in typing, cake decorating, sewing, hair dressing, etc. which enhanced the lives of all those around her.
With the forced evacuation of the families of Japanese origin from the coast in l942, part of the Okamoto family relocated to the sugar beet fields of Taber. To supplement her income, Haddie worked at the Broder Canning Company for various families as a Mother's assistant. She later retired following many years of loyal and dedicated service as chief cashier with the Taber Food Market and Taber Supermarket (Fong Bros.).
Haddie loved sports - fishing the "Crow" in her hip waders, curling, bowling and she enjoyed playing Bingo. She was very avid in all her undertakings.
Although Haddie had no children, she was a loving and generous aunt in all ways towards her nieces, nephews and their children and in return was adored by them all.
After retirement, she loved to travel with her favourite destinations being Hawaii and Bermuda, though her trips back to Victoria were always nostalgic.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, January 8, 2010 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Sandra Riddell officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, in lieu of koden and flowers, memorial tributes in Haddie’s name may be made directly to the Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1H7 or to a charity of one’s personal choosing.