Tomeko Iwasa, beloved mother of Brian and Jo-Anne, grandmother of Andrew (Michelle) & great-grandmother of Faith passed away peacefully on October 15th, 2025, with family by her side, at Hogarth Riverview Manor.
Tomeko (Tommie) was born on June 23, 1926 in White Rock, BC. In 1942 she and her family were forcibly removed from their home and sent to Hastings Park, Vancouver where they were detained until they were sent to Lemon Creek and lived there for several years. They finally moved to Fort William to be reunited with brothers Frank and Paul. There Tommie also met the love of her life, Kaz. They married on February 28, 1948.
Included among Tommie’s interests were odori, karaoke, reading and watching tv. Her passion for American politics lead to many lively discussions over the merits of one politician versus the ridiculous antics of another. She and Kaz travelled to Arizona, Aruba, Florida, Mississippi, Japan & Europe. She was also a member of the Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association and the LJCA 55 Plus Club which afforded her the ability to actively socialize during her final years.
Tommie was thoughtful, kind and compassionate. Where Kaz represented true north for the family, Tommie was its heart. She loved her family unconditionally & taught her children and grandson to be sensitive and inclusive and generous towards others.
Tommie is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sets Oda, brothers-in-law George & Arthur (Evelyn) and by many nieces and nephews and their families. She particularly enjoyed family gatherings during the holidays and was one of the last to leave the party.
She is predeceased by her husband, Kaz Iwasa, parents, Saku & Sekitaro Oda, siblings Setsuko (Seiji) Inouye, Frank (Kaye), Sarah (Kaz) Suga, Paul, Barb (Min) Oshimo & beloved niece, Shirley Inouye-Kotyk, father & mother in law Bunshiro & Haru Iwasa, brothers & sisters in law; Casey (Angie), Fumiko (Tomio) Baba, Ken (Kay), Kiyoshi & Terry & nieces Cherrie Sims & Helen Baba.
Special thanks to Tommie’s caretakers from Wesway, Paramed, Hogarth. Your care and compassion was so very much appreciated and will never be forgotten.
Donations may be made to Wesway if so desired or to a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday November 10, 2025 at 11:00 am at the West Thunder Community Centre.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
