Mary Ayako Tanaka

Mary Ayako Tanaka (nee Eto), October 21, 1925 - July 17, 2023. Our beloved Mary passed away peacefully on July 17, 2023. The family takes comfort knowing that she has been reunited with her devoted husband, Mike, who passed away in 2016.

Mary is survived by her children Wayne (Rachael), Glenn, Karen (Brad); grandchildren Steven, Alexandra and Dustin; sisters Margaret, Akemi (Shigeru) and Naomi (Yutaka); and many loving family members from both the Tanaka and Eto families.

Mary was born to Sunao Eto and Yasue Eto (nee Mitsunaga) in Vancouver, BC and lived in Japantown before World War II. During the war, she and her family were interned to Rosebery, BC (outside of New Denver, BC). At the conclusion of the war, Mary and her family moved to post-war Japan where she worked for the US military as an English translator. Mary missed her home country and returned to Vancouver in 1955.

Mary was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a constant pillar of strength for her family. She will be fondly remembered for her amazing family gatherings and her many creative talents including cooking, sewing, knitting, baking and painting. Her dinner parties will be especially missed by her family and friends.

A private family celebration of life will be held later this year.

A heartfelt thank you for the compassionate care provided by the Haro Park Centre staff and Dr. Shafie. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society, the Haro Park Centre Society or the Alzheimer Society of BC.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.vancouvercrematorium.com for the Tanaka family.