June 14, 1925 – October 23, 2025
It is with deep sadness that the family announce the peaceful passing of Nancy Yasuko Arinobu, a resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario on October 23, 2025 at the TBRHSC, at the age of 100. We are comforted and thankful that she lived a happy, healthy, good and long life.
Nancy was born in Vancouver, BC on June 14, 1925 to Shigeo and Yoshi Tabe and was educated there. After the war, she and her family settled in Fort William. Nancy married Sam Saburo Arinobu on May 14, 1949 and soon after they began their family. Nancy enjoyed raising her 3 children and was a stay at home mom. At the age of 50, Nancy returned to school and completed the Health Care Aide Program through Canada Manpower at Confederation College. Upon completion of the program, she gained employment at Hogarth Westmount Hospital and enjoyed a 15 year career there.
Sam and Nancy enjoyed trips travelling to Nanaimo, Toronto, Duluth, Las Vegas and Japan. Nancy was an active person and some of her interests included bowling, Japanese dancing (odori), karaoke, sewing, mall walking and mizuhiki (Japanese art form). She was an active member of the Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association and the LJCA 55 Plus Club. She was always willing to help and participated in many activities. Nancy enjoyed participating in the VON Seniors Exercise classes twice a week at the West Thunder Community Centre up until her passing.
Nancy is survived by her daughters Marlene Hedch (Terry Ohman) Nanaimo, BC and Janet; grandchildren Jesse (Amanda) Hedch (Swan River, MB) and Aaron Hedch and great grandchildren Benjamin and Annabelle (Nanaimo, BC). Also survived by her brother Tom (Joyce) Tabe (Pinawa, MB) and many nieces and nephews.
Nancy was predeceased by her husband Sam (2017), son George (2020), parents Shigeo and Yoshi Tabe, sister Mary (Ken) Arinobu and brother Shigeyoshi Tabe.
A special thank you to Wesway and her respite workers Debbie, Susan, Keana and Karlyne….Mom enjoyed the time spent with all of you. Also, many thanks to her nieces Sharon, Brenda and Pam for all you’ve done for mom over the years.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wesway, VON-Thunder Bay, TBRHSC or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
