Obituaries

HATANAKA, Sugio (Update - Service will be Livestreamed)

It is with great sadness that we announce Sugio Hatanaka passed away, peacefully at home, on Friday, July 22, 2022, at the age of 105 years. Sugio is survived by her son Bob (Helene) Hatanaka; daughter Michi (Francis) Ono; daughter-in-law Margie Hatanaka; grandchildren: Randy (Leslie) Hatanaka, Sheri (Tom) Phu, Danny (Nanci Bellamy) Hatanaka, and Bryan, Clifford, & Keith Ono; great-grandchildren: Ryan and Eric Hatanaka; Tamara and Nathan Phu; and one brother in Japan. Sugio was predeceased by husband Minoru Hatanaka (d. June 1970), and son Jack Hatanaka (d. April 2020).

Sugio was born in Fukuoka, Japan with eight siblings. She came to Canada in August 1938 to join her husband Minoru in Glenmore. She worked in the orchard, packing house, and Henderson Cleaners. She later moved to a Rutland apartment (late 1980s), and then moved back to Glenmore with her daughter Michi's family (December 2017).

She enjoyed Japanese dancing, jig-saw puzzles, knitting, mahjong, scratch tickets, cooking, and walking. She was a wonderful blessing to all that knew her. She was loved and will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers or Koden, donations may be made, if desired, to Kelowna Buddhist Temple "Fujinkai"/ Women's ministry (kelownabuddhisttemple.org), or a charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held on TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022, at 10:00 AM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences, please visit her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com. (or click the direct link with her name in it, just below).

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/hatanaka-sugio

Condolence Messages

Aug 09, 2022
Michi and Bob, I am sad to learn of your mother's passing, but I have so many happy childhood memories of Sugio and Minoru in Glenmore of the 1960s. As a kid I knew Sugio as Mrs Hata and that nickname has stuck with me for decades. What a lovely, friendly lady. What a sweet smile. What grace! You were fortunate to have your mother for so many wonderful years.

Brian Hume
Jul 29, 2022
Bob, Michi and families. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was an amazing woman and I remember her and how hard she worked. What a blessing that you had her for so many wonderful years. My deepest condolences. Shirley (Strachan)
Jul 28, 2022
our thoughts and prayers are with you

Domenic and Lina Rampone
Jul 27, 2022
To the Hatanaka Family

Sincere condolences on the loss of Mrs. Hatanaka. I have many fond memories of her dressing us in kimonos at Hanamatsuri and teaching us Japanese dances for Obon. My thoughts are with you at this time.

Lisa Yamaoka
Jul 27, 2022
Michi, Margie, and Bob.

So sorry to hear the passing of such a wonderful woman. As a wild teenager, we played all sorts of games with the kids in the neighborhood where she lived. Must have drove her bonkers. The Hatanaka residence was the meeting place for all our fun and games. Never a complaint. In later years, whenever I met her I could always get a nice hug from her. She was a very special person and I am so pleased to have known her. May she rest in peace. Gord Strachan
Jul 26, 2022
Dear Sheri and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your grandma, she was an amazing lady! I remember when she used to visit my grandparents, and she used to teach us Japanese dancing when we were kids. I’m sure you have many wonderful memories, and may these help you and your family during this difficult time.

Suzanne Ryll (Kawahara)
Jul 26, 2022
Randy, Leslie, Danny and families, our condolences for your loss of your Grandmother. She sounds like she was an amazing woman.

Kathy & Norm Rempel
Jul 26, 2022
Bob and Mich, we are so sorry for the loss of your Mother. She certainly did live a long and blessed life. We lived next door to your family for all our growing-up years, and we all had so much fun playing together. Your Mother was always so friendly and happy to see us whenever we met. Such good memories.

We are all thinking of you and your families - Kaye, Judy, Val, Sue (nee Snowsell)
Jul 26, 2022
What a wonderful age, what a wonderful lady. E Henkel
Jul 26, 2022
So sorry to hear of your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with all the family during this difficult time.

Paul & Marlene Mamchur
Jul 25, 2022
Michi, so, so sorry for your loss. May the wonderful Lord be your strength and comfort at this time as I know He will. May you feel His arms around you and the love and prayers of all your church family and freinda. Love you, my sister. Margaret S
Jul 25, 2022
I am so sorry for your loss. She certainly saw life. When I saw her photo I thought I recognize that lady but could not think of where. After reading and I saw Hendersons Cleaners, I knew. She was such a nice woman and always had a smile

whenever I went it. You will have some wonderful memories, I am sure.

Gwen Waller
Jul 25, 2022
As a teenager, in the winter, I followed your Mom's footsteps down the snowy driveway and was amazed by her small short footsteps. She was on her way to town, very early in the morning.

On behalf of the Alfred and Alice Schmidtke family (both already passed on) we would like to pass on our condolences.

Loralee, Paul, and Shelley Schmidtke
Jul 25, 2022
So sorry for your loss of a wonderful woman...I enjoyed the times I got to spend with her, my prayers are with you. Gail