Sumiyo Yoshida, beloved sister and aunt, died on Jan. 23. She was 94. Sumiyo was born Nov. 19, 1931 in Steveston, B,C., before she was forced to move with her family to the B,C, Interior during the Second World War along with thousands of other Japanese-Canadians. She returned to Vancouver with her family after the war where she became the first person of Asian descent to be hired by the old B,C, Electric Co. Sumiyo later worked as a secretary for law offices in Vancouver and Toronto. Sumiyo brought joy to everything she did, brightening the day of those around her. She loved line dancing and was a dedicated member of the Vancouver Japanese United Church. Sumiyo's death follows the death of her parents and three of her brothers, Masumi, Koya and Makio. She will be missed by her sisters, Etsuyo and Teruyo, her youngest brother, Shiro, and her niece and nephew, Kelly and Craig. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the Vancouver Japanese United Church.
