Takako Joyce Saruwatari

TAKAKO, JOYCE SARUWATARI, of Lethbridge passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021 at the age of 94.

Joyce is survived by her son Gordon (Joy) and 3 daughters, Gail (Gordon) Mitten, Debra (Gordon) Jensen and Wendy (Jim) Gerlock,10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, brothers Noris (Sachiko) Taguchi and Kenneth Taguchi, sisters Kazuko Takaguchi, Keiko Tsukishima and Chiyeko Robinson (Charles Price) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce was predeceased by Toshiyuki, her loving husband of 71 years, infant daughter, Suyeko, parents Hashime and Kohei Taguchi, sister Tayeko Terakita and brother Yoshio Taguchi.

Joyce was born in Sunbury, B.C. She resided in New Westminster B.C., Slocan B.C. and Magrath, Alberta. It was here that she met Toshiyuki, her soulmate and love of her life. Side by side they worked together on the Saruwatari farm. Joyce enjoyed gardening, any type of crafts, curling, square dancing, karaoke, golf, family dinner/card nights and trips to the casino.  Her greatest treasure was her family.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caring staff at Cottage 2 at Park Meadows, Drs Horne, Smith and Cunningham, Homecare staff and the Red Cross.

In lieu of flowers or koden, donations may be made to BTSA (Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta), Good Samaritan Park Meadows in Lethbridge or charity of your choice.

A private family service will be held.  Please click this link to view the live stream of the service.

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