Nobuko Nishimatsu

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our grandmother, Nobuko Nishimatsu (née Omatsu), who left this world on April 18, 2023 at the age of 94. She passed away peacefully at the Richmond General Hospital surrounded by her loved ones.

Nobuko was a devoted mother, obaachan (grandmother), and great-grandmother who touched the lives of everyone who knew her with her quiet, gentle demeanour.

She was born in Vancouver, BC on August 16, 1928 and was the eldest daughter to Rinzo and Kinu Omatsu, and eldest sister to her six siblings (Shinichi, Masae, Den, Takiko, Mitsuko, and Kyoko), all of whom except Kyoko, are now reunited with Nobuko in the afterlife.

The Omatsu family had spent time in the Sandon, New Denver and Tashme Japanese internment camps in Interior BC between 1942-1946. After the war, Nobuko served as a clerk and interpreter/translator for the Canadian Liaison Mission. She relocated to Japan with her husband and became a loving mother to her daughters, Takako (who had passed away as an infant), Kimiko, Tomoko, and Yoshiko. Eventually, Nobuko and her husband moved back to Vancouver to raise their daughters in hopes of a better life in Canada.

Nobuko was an incredible cook, and loved to feed her loved ones, and even friends of her grandchildren after school. She enjoyed preparing meals for her family during holidays - especially Japanese New Year’s. She always made sure no one left her home hungry or without a snack to take home for the road.

She lived a life full of love, laughter, good food, and kindness. She was always there to offer a listening ear, a comforting hug, or a homemade meal after a long day.

Nobuko will be deeply missed by her children, Kimiko, Tomoko, Yoshiko, her grandchildren, Yosuke (Rachel), Michiko (Joseph), Aaron (Airi), Amber, and great-grandchildren Kate Shoko and Aiden Kosei, as well as by all of her extended family, friends, and staff at Happy Care and Wisteria Place Care Home in Richmond, BC.

She was the pillar of strength (despite only being 4ft tall!) and the heart of our family— she worked tirelessly in her recovery from a fractured femur over the last two years and survived COVID-19 just one month prior to her escalated battle with cancer. We take comfort in knowing that our obaachan is now at peace and reunited with her loved ones who have passed before her, as she shared in her final hours that her mama and papa were waiting for her.

Rest in peace, Obaachan. You will be forever missed and loved.

In lieu of flowers, our family would like to request a donation in her name to the Richmond Hospital Foundation, as our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Palliative Care team at Richmond General Hospital.

A Celebration of Life gathering for Nobuko will take place on

Sunday, May 21st at 10am at

Wisteria Place

4388 Garry Street, Richmond, BC

V7E 2V2.

Please wear bright colours.

Masking is required at Wisteria Place.

Michiko Shinto, on behalf of the Omatsu/Nishimatsu/Shinto family.