<div itemprop="description">SHIMOTAKAHARA, Donalda, Michiko (nee Tsuyuki) <br> <br>It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Donalda (Donnie) Shimotakahara. Mother of Susan, Bob, Paul (Cheryl), Ed (Kim), Mark (Marie-Claude) and doting grandmother to Kaitlin, Kevin, William, Elizabeth, Magali, and Lucas. Survived by her sister Addie Kobayashi and her second husband of 14 years, Donald (Don) NIIYA a devoted husband who spent almost every day by her bedside during the last months of her life. She passed away peacefully with her children and Don by her side on Monday, December 29, 2025. <br> <br>Donnie was predeceased by her first husband Lloyd Shimotakahara, daughter Wendy, father Masao Tsuyuki, mother Chiyo Fujikawa and sister Jeanine Moritsugu. Donnie was born in Vancouver, BC in 1931. Along with her two sisters, she had many adventures living just up the street from Kitsilano Beach. <br> <br>True to her Japanese roots, mom was resilient. From internment during WWII, to caregiving for dad with Alzheimer’s, to cancer and a whole lot in between; mom successfully met every challenge life threw at her with quiet practical determination. She met and fell in love with her first husband Lloyd in Montreal. Together, they raised their family, first in Burnaby, BC and later in Pointe-Claire, QC. With her sisters living in Roxboro and Toronto, there were many family weekend get togethers growing up. Today, the cousins and their families continue having their traditional annual September family reunion during Labour Day weekend. Lloyd passed away in 2004. Mom first met the second love of her life, Don, in 1942 while in the Tashme internment camp. It took over 60 years before they became “friends” and then married in 2011. Mom we will miss your beautiful smile, your Mamma Shimo cakes (especially your carrot and chocolate cakes), apple pie, and devotion to family, but most of all, we will miss you. <br> <br>A special thank you to Leslie of NOVA West Island Palliative Care Team. <br> <br>A memorial service will be held at a later time in the spring. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, NOVA West Island or The Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation. <br></div>
