It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Suzuko (Suzie) Tomiyama, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who left us on Sunday June 26th, 2022 at the age of 77. Suzie was born in Suzuka, Japan. She went to Seijo University in Tokyo where she met her husband Mamoru with whom she had three children. In Japan she loved tutoring kids of all ages in math, social studies and English. In July 1980 the family moved to Calgary, AB and Suzie taught Japanese at the Berlitz language school and the Calgary Board of Education. She received her Early Childhood Education diploma and opened up a daycare around 1989. She was a warm and beautiful person who spread joy and happiness wherever she went and was passionate of her Christian faith which she instilled in all her children and grandchildren. She served in the Calgary Japanese Gospel Church for over 25 years in areas such as the women’s ministry, Japanese Pastoral Care and the Board. Her love of food and cooking were evident in the ways she shared meals with family and friends. She was predeceased by parents Noboru and Yae (Yoshikawa) Kitamura. She is survived by her sister Kayoko Bunasawa, husband Mamoru Tomiyama, children Miki Okawa, Wako (Sophia) Tomiyama, Miho (Mark) Hoshizaki and grandsons William, Brandon, Jared, Nicolas, Kristopher, Taiyo, Jamie and Eric. To honour Suzie’s memory, we are holding a Celebration of her Life on Saturday July 16th, 2022 at the Thornhill Baptist Church. As a tribute to Suzie who loved bright colors, we encourage attendees to wear some bright colors to the event.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the Country Hills Crematorium & Funeral Services, 11995 16 St NE on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
******PLEASE NOTE VENUE CHANGE****** Funeral Services will be held at the Thornhill Baptist Church, 128 Tache Ave NW, Calgary, AB , on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at 1:00 pm.
To view a live stream of the Service please visit the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb5UNGByzRI
4 Comments
Dear Friends,
We also have had many precious and wonderful times with Suzie. She will be missed, but we certainly look forward to that future fellowship with her around the throne of God. May the Lord comfort you in this time of grief.
We are deeply saddened by the news of Suzie’s passing. Suzie had been treating us as we are part of her family. Her love and her smile will be remembered. May we never forget the joy she brought to us and pray that God will grant her families the strength needed to get through this moment.
As the mother of one of Suzie’s charges (Simon) I want you to know how much we appreciated her over the years that she cared for him. Also we loved to attend the annual Christmas gathering at the daycare for many years after Simon was no longer a client.
We loved her. I am forever grateful.
Brenda Scott
First my condolences to Suzie‘s family. I just find out that she has passed last summer. I’m very very sorry . I have known Suzie for many years. Her daycare was across the street from my house . She has taken care of my both daughters since they were babies. Being a full time working single mother, having a good daycare provider was a Godsend.
Suzie was amazing person. She loves all her children and all her Children loves her. She was kind , considerate and wise. All her staff loves her dearly as well. My daughters and I have such a fond memory of all her Christmas parties, and my daughters still have very fond memories of her famous rice balls.
When my both my daughters were young, we used to ask them “ who loves you… they would think about it, and they were say nobody only Suzie”
My daughters Tracy and Sarah are 33 and 31 now. They both turn out to be good citizens… I’m certain that Suzie has played a big part .
We will ALWAYS think of Susie with love and gratitude 🙏❤️