Shirley Sora

Sora, Shirley Toko (nee Handa) was born in Naas Harbour, B.C. on January 5, 1922 and passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 9 surrounded by the love of her family. Loving mother of Alan (Kana), David (Debby), Randy (Dianne) and April (David) and predeceased by husband Shigeki, brother Roy and sister Hope Handa.

Shirley’s quiet strength and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of her grandchildren Giordan, Krystine, Danyelle, Erich, Austin and Mitchell. Gramma adored each and every one of you so much and we know how much you will miss her.

In 1926 the family moved from Naas Harbour to Powell Street, Vancouver so her and her brother and sister could go to school in the city. Mom lived with her mother, Matsu and father Ritsuji in the rooming house they owned at 324 ½ Powell Street and this was one of the happiest times of her life.

In 1941 with all other Japanese Canadians, Mom and her family were evacuated to the internment camp in Greenwood, BC and all their property and belongings were confiscated and sold by the Canadian Government. Following the war, they were sent out east to Toronto to start their new lives and it was there that she met her husband Shigeki Sora, purchased their home and started their family. Losing Dad at an early age, she raised our family on her own, working tirelessly at several jobs before finally settling in at Roy Thompson Hall where she returned to her love of music. At the age of 65, she embarked on part time studies at the University of Toronto and persevered into her 80’s when she proudly achieved her diploma.

Mom always put family first. Thank you for giving us the love of music, the magic of laughter and the strength that kept us together. Your kindness and compassion touched everyone through your life's journey and have left us all with warm memories of time shared together. We cherish the life and family values you gave us. You will be missed and forever live in our hearts. You are now where you belong... with dad at your side. We know you are both smiling and will continue to love and protect us from above.

It is difficult to find the right words to properly express our gratitude for the courageous and compassionate people of 2A at Fieldstone Commons who cared for mom as if she was a member of their own families. Thank you for standing in our place when we couldn’t be there – we know it was as difficult for you as it was for us. We all lost a fairy.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for the future to honor and remember Mom with family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor Mom’s fondest memories of growing up at 324 ½ Powell Street, Vancouver, donations can be made to the Lookout Housing and Health Society, a non profit community organization that operates a shelter at the location of mom’s original home. It would be like Mom is going home. https://lookoutsociety.ca/