Yaeko Oye

Mom lived a long, and quite often not an easy life. The first 10 years of childhood were spent surviving the Great Depression. In adolescence she was impacted by the unjust treatment of Japanese Canadians during WWII. Her indomitable spirit would allow her to persevere.

She met her future husband in the late 1940’s. She married at 21 and within 7 years was the mother of 3 boys.

After a move to Ucluelet in 1955, mom’s social nature drew people in and she became a fixture in the community. In the early 2000’s the move was made to Nanaimo. Again, because of her personality a group of several new friends came into her life. She loved to dance, bowl, and have her Saturday night coffee group with 6 special ladies in the condo.

She struggled with health issues in the last handful of years, but never complained. She always put others needs ahead of her own. That was Mom!

As per her wishes, there will be no Funeral or Celebration of Life. She will be greatly missed by sons, Ron/Tricia, Bruce & Ted. 3 grandchildren, Kiyo/Sarah Cleveland, Kamiko & Ron Jr., and 1 greater grandchild, Lou. Predeceased by her loving husband, Shiro, of 55 plus years, her brothers and sisters, and her grandson, Avery Shiro Oye.

Special thanks to her dear friends, Mary Lou Carey & her husband David. Also to the “coffee group” ladies. You know who you are! Thanks to the paramedics, Doctors, I.C.U., and Palliative care staff for taking such great care with our Mom.

If you would like to honour Yaeko’s memory, please make a contribution to the Palliative care unit at NRGH or the Nikkei Bulletin. No flowers by request.