Reyko Nishiyama

Reyko Nishiyama passed away peacefully with family at her side on September 2, 2022. Mom will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Karen (Ron), Kiyomi (Dan), Dianne (Rick), Robin (Scott) and Candice (Brian). She has left a living legacy of 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by siblings Susumu, Yoko and Etsuko and many nieces and nephews. Reyko was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Mac, her son, Russell, and brothers, Hiede and Yukio.

Mom lived most of her life in Raymond only moving to Lethbridge for her retirement years. In her almost 95 years in this world she went from a one room school on the Milk River Ridge to learning to keep in touch with family and friends using email, Facebook and video chats.  She was active in her community and in addition to working outside the home, she volunteered with many organizations including her church, Meals on Wheels, Raymond Historical Society, Girl Guides and Galt Museum. Mom worked in many administrative positions but she was especially proud of her 14 years with the RCMP. She was creative and decorated hundreds of cakes for weddings and special occasions as well as instructing cake decorating at LCC. She wrote in a journal from the time she was a child, enjoyed reading and crocheting which she did right until her passing. Mom loved to have visitors drop by her house and was ready to feed them all with Japanese specialties. Her New Year’s Eve dinners were exotic and lavish affairs for all new family members. Her love of cooking and trying new recipes has been passed to her daughters and many of her grandchildren.  Mom had a lifelong devotion to her fitness regimen from Bonnie Pruden in the 1960’s, Wii Fit in the 90’s to the Fitness Class at Martha’s House right up to her hospitalization. She particularly enjoyed walking and was often seen doing her circuit around Martha’s House. She was gardening into her mid-80’s and was still able to enjoy flowers and greenery by visiting friends’ yards. Mom maintained strong relationships with her longtime friends and more recently, forged new important friendships at Martha’s House that were vital in helping her to keep her independence. The Crazy 8’s were 3 special couples with whom Mom and Dad enjoyed many years of travel and good times.

Mom was a pragmatic optimist. In the last few years, she was often heard to say “It is what it is”.  She accepted what life handed her and lived her life looking for the positive side of people and situations. Her strong will and resilience kept her going after many setbacks and she was known for her smile and upbeat outlook by all who knew her.  Mom enjoyed discussions about current events and the weather. We are so thankful to all those who kept in touch with her even during Covid. 

Friends made through church, karaoke, London Road neighbours and Martha’s House were treasured. Mom’s greatest pride and joy was her family.  She especially enjoyed the visits by her grandchildren and “great-grands”. We will all miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers or Koden, memorial tributes in Reyko’s name can be made to the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta in Lethbridge, Martha’s House c/o Covenant Foundation in Edmonton or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Reyko’s Life will be held Saturday October 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM in the Aspen Ballroom of the Sandman Signature Hotel at 320 Scenic Dr. S, Lethbridge.

Please click this link to view the live stream of the service.

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