Sumiko Kimoto

It is with great sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of Sumiko Kimoto (nee Takemoto), who had been surrounded by her family, in person and online. Sumiko was a loving wife, mother, Bachan, sister, sister-in-law, and auntie. Predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Kaoru “Lefty” Kimoto and her two brothers, Yoshimi and Masami, she is survived by her children; Brian (Margaret) Kimoto, Linda (Jeff) Lawrence, Jeffrey (Leanne) Kimoto and Vicki Kimoto; grandchildren Jorden, Kevin (Danielle), Emma (Josh), Joelle, Amanda and Megan; two sister-in-laws Itsuko and Lynn, a brother-in-law Masao and many nieces and nephews.

Sumiko was born in Vancouver, B.C. and moved to Japan when she was 10 years old with her father , Mitsuo, and two brothers. Her mother, Sueyo, stayed behind in Vancouver and after her father passed away in Japan, Sumiko and her younger brother, Masami, came back to Vancouver in 1948 while her older brother, Yoshimi, remained in Japan.

Sumiko met and married Kaoru Kimoto and together they raised their family of four children and in later years enjoyed caring for their grandchildren. She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity as she always considered others before herself.

She spent many hours with her family, sharing her delicious meals and will be fondly remembered for her inari sushi, tonkatsu, oden, meatballs, potato salad, fried rice, spaghetti sauce, cookies, and raspberry jam- just to name a few. She enjoyed the annual gathering with family for oshogatsu as she provided an incredible presentation of traditional Japanese dishes. Sumiko also took great pleasure with indoor gardening, sewing, crocheting, and knitting. Her home was always filled with blue basting thread, which managed to turn up everywhere, even in her walker wheels. Her family will also remember finding Ricolas tucked into her jacket pockets, how she never failed to have a sweet treat at tea time and the sound of her small, contagious cackle, which usually came a beat or two after everyone else’s.

Sumiko made everyone feel welcome immediately. She only wore her dentures for company or outings, so you knew you were part of the family if she conversed with you without them. Ever generous, she would often send everyone off with bags full of food from her always jam-packed freezer and pantry, or handmade tea towels and oven mitts.

Sumiko will be deeply missed by her family and her legacy of love, generosity and warmth will continue to live on in the many hearts she touched.

A small family and friends service will be held on Friday, November 8 , 3:00 pm at the Vancouver Memorial Service and Crematorium. The family requests that in lieu of flowers or koden, please consider donating to Nikkei Senior Health Care and Housing Society.