Itsuko Maruno

Born on June 2, 1939, in Okinawa, Japan, to Teruyo and Haruhiko Kikuno, Itsuko was the fifth of nine children. She lived a full and sincere life as a beloved wife, mother, grandmother (Bachan), and friend. She shared 60 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Koiti Maruno. In 1966, following their wedding celebrations, the couple settled in Vancouver to begin a new life together. Although Itsuko did not speak English, she bravely embraced the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture. Together, they worked hard, overcame many obstacles, and built a loving home while raising their two daughters, Yayoi Lisa and Erika Ayumi. Three values defined Itsuko's life: family, courage, and faith.

Growing up, Itsuko was naturally athletic, excelling in track & field as both a sprinter and long-distance runner, and she also enjoyed playing volleyball, tennis, and golf. She was an excellent Japanese cook and had a deep love of flowers. Fittingly, her maiden name, Kikuno, means "chrysanthemum."

While Itsuko may have appeared quiet and shy, beneath her gentle nature was a courageous and resilient woman who was selflessly devoted to her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her loved ones, particularly her grandchildren, Shayla, Emma, and Adam. From their earliest years, she and Koiti played an active role in their upbringing, taking great pride in supporting them and attending their many milestones, including birthdays, school graduations, dance (odori) recitals and sporting events such as soccer, hockey, track & field, and baseball.

Itsuko was a devout member of SGI Vancouver. She joined Soka Gakkai in Japan at the age of 20 and remained steadfast in her Buddhist practice throughout her life. For many years, she quietly supported SGI Vancouver behind the scenes with unwavering faith and strong determination (ichinen), setting a lasting example for her daughters.

Itsuko will be remembered for her beautiful, genuine smile, which continued to touch those around her until the very end of her life. Her kindness and unwavering devotion to family and faith will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Itsuko is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Koiti, daughters, Yayoi Lisa Maruno, Erika Ayumi Chan; sons-in-law, Kevin Chorney, Allen Chan; grandchildren, Shayla Chorney, Emma Chan, Adam Chan. Itsuko is also remembered by all her siblings and siblings-in-law. In Japan: Reiko & Norio Takemoto, Yoshimasa & Etsuko Kikuno, Kenji & Mayumi Kikuno, Yoriko Kikuno, Toshiko Kikuno, Hatsuko Kikuno. In Vancouver: Merry Maruno, Akemi & Kazu Komori, Yuriko & Dave Maihara, Doug & Becky Maruno, Toshimi & Maya Maruno and her many wonderful nieces and nephews.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the medical team, nurses, and caring staff at Holy Family Residence, Vancouver General Hospital, Nikoniko Home Care, and Vancouver Coastal Health Home Support Services for the compassionate and exceptional care they provided to our mother.

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Itsuko Maruno will be held on Saturday, October 10, at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC.