Keiko Tsukishima of Lethbridge Alberta passed away peacefully on Sunday December 14, 2026 at the age of 91. Keiko was predeceased by parents Kohei and Hashime Taguchi, husband (Tom) Tsutomu Tsukishima, daughter Grace Emiko Catt, son Alan Tsukishima, grandson Mark Tsukishima, siblings Joyce Saruwatari, Tayeko Terakita, Noris Taguchi and Yosh Taguchi. She is survived by her children Wayne (Amy) Tsukishima, Brenda Tsukishima, David (Le) Tsukishima, Charlie (Joanne) Catt, grand children Ryan (Jireh) Tsukishima, Tom Tsukishima, Nicole (John) Jacklin, Jennifer Catt, Doug (Josee Blouin) Catt, great grandchildren Bentley Jacklin, Maverik Jacklin, Atlas Jacklin, siblings Kaz Takaguchi, Ken Taguchi and Chec Robinson (Charlie Price).

Keiko (Kay) was born on October 21, 1934, on River Road in Sunbury, Delta, BC, to Kohei and Hashime Taguchi. She was the fifth of eight children. In 1942, the Taguchi family was evacuated from the West Coast to Lemon Creek and eventually settled in Raymond, Alberta, where they worked as farm labourers.

After graduating from high school, Keiko attended Garbutt Business College, where she earned honours in Stenography and Introductory Bookkeeping. Following her studies, she began working for the Unemployment Insurance Office in Lethbridge.

It was in southern Alberta that Keiko met the love of her life, Tsutomu (Tom) Tsukishima. Dad fondly remembered buying raffle tickets from a cute little eight-year-old girl who one day eventually became his wife, while Mom liked to recall that she had always been good at sales. On March 17, 1956, they were married at the Coaldale Buddhist Church. Together, they raised five children in the Coaldale area: Grace (Emiko), Wayne, Alan, Brenda, and David.

Tom, along with his brothers Mitsugi and Fujio, farmed in the Tempest and Chin area east of Coaldale. After leaving the farm in 1974, Tom and Kay moved their family into the town of Coaldale. It was then that Kay began a new career in sales at the Woodward’s department store, which later became The Bay. She worked there until her retirement in 1999.

Her passion for flowers and gardening was unmistakable. Her vibrant flower beds and blooming plants throughout her home reflected her love of gardening. Her orchids were her favorite. Along with her love for gardening mom and dad enjoyed their fishing trips to the west coast and memorable holidays to Las Vegas with her brother Norris (Sach) Taguchi and sister Tayeko (Mas) Terakita. She was also a devoted member of the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta where she enjoyed volunteering with her many friends.

Although she adored her flowers, her greatest pride and joy was always her family. Whenever the children were home, Mom was cooking—Japanese dishes were everyone’s favourite. After dinner countless evenings were spent around the table playing the Japanese card game Gaji with her children, parents, and siblings.

At the age of fifty, mom became a grandmother. Her grandchildren—Jennifer, Douglas, Ryan, Tom, Nicole, and Mark— brought new happiness into her life. Sleepovers with Jichan and Bachan were always special, filled with treats, laughter, and the kind of spoiling only grandparents can give.

Family time was always important to her. In 2016 mom met her first great-grandson Bentley. She could spend hours on her hands and knees playing with him or pushing him around in her walker. Soon after her second great grandson Maverik was born. Later in life, COVID restrictions and Alzheimer’s disease sadly took many of her fondest memories which included not being able to properly meet her third great grandson Atlas. Yet the love she gave—and the love she received—remains with her family always.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Legacy Lodge north cottage and Gardenview Lodge for the care given to mom during her stay at the lodges.

Koden and flowers are greatfully declined. Those wishing to make a donation are asked to consider the Altzeimer Society of Alberta or the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta, 470 40 St S, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Friends are welcome to meet with the family from 10:00 to 10:45am prior to the service at the Temple.

View the livestream of the service here.