Toshiko Tsukishima

Born Aug 3, 1926 to parents Sueo and Masuko Kado (nee Masuda) she was the eldest daughter of 7 children raised on a small family farm in Surrey. Ogii-chan (Grandpa, who sadly passed June 1937), leaving Obaa-chan (Grandma, who died in 1994) and 7 young children. The family relocated to Raymond Alberta in 1942, where she lived until she married Sumio Tsukishima in 1948. They lived and farmed in Stirling and Coaldale until 1964. She and Sumio and family of 4 children moved to Prince George, B.C. They had purchased a Dairy Queen, a big change from Alberta farming life. The move and DQ gamble proved very fortuitous and beneficial. The DQ sold in 1969 and Toshiko thereafter was homemaker.

Toshiko is survived by her son Keith (Becky), grandson Makoto, son Lloyd, daughters Ruth (Nick), Joy, sister Kaz Kanashiro (Tosh) and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by husband, Sumio who passed in 1987 at the age of 65, her sisters Irene Tsukijima (Eiji), Fumiko Jasiukiewicz (Wesley), Michiko Kado, Kimiye Nonomura (Kiyo) and brothers, Keichi and Kou Kado.

She moved to a Burnaby condo in 1987, to independent living in 2011, and to her final residence, Robert Nimi Nikkei Home in 2023.

Toshiko was described perfectly by sister, Kaz: “a real trouper who wanted to maintain her independence and not be a burden to anyone. She was always worried and concerned about everyone, but that was instilled in her when she was younger and was thrust into growing up quickly after her father’s death when she was 10. She shouldered a lot of responsibilities assisting Grandma Kado with the upbringing of the rest of her 6 siblings. She was smart and used common sense, and regrettably circumstances did not allow her to complete an education like she wanted to.

She will be remembered fondly for being a hard worker, a great friend and sister and for her cooking, baking and sewing abilities. She was meticulous and methodical in everything she did.

We will miss her kindness and thoughtfulness, and take comfort knowing she is no longer in pain or suffering. She is now at peace but is being missed”

The family respectfully requests no koden and no flowers please. If so inclined, Toshiko’s charities were Heart and Stroke Foundation and Vancouver Buddhist Temple. Optionally you may wish to donate to a charity of your choice.

There will be a celebration of life which will be announced at a later date.