A Tribute to my Inspiring Grandmother
Kazuko "Kassie" Sanmiya Nakamura
~ July 30, 1921 - October 8, 2012 ~
A Celebration of Kassie's Life
Thank you to all who join us in celebrating the life of Kassie Nakamura.
Our family appreciated your support and participation- whether in person or from afar. We are particularly grateful to Pat Savage, Bobby Hampton, Sophia Walker, and the Delta Kappa Gamma Society and to Shirley Harmer and the Metropolitan United Church for their caring attention to this memorial celebration.
On May 11, 2013 at Metropolitan United Church, the family and friends of Kassie Nakamura gathered to celebrate her life. The transcript, picture boards and video from the event are included here as well as additional contributions of memories and tributes from family and friends. If you would like to share a message with the family, please scroll to the end of this page.
Opening (Pat Savage)
I would like to welcome everyone here today on behalf of Vivian, Bruce, Kate, Shirley, and Gloria, not only to say farewell to Kassie, but also to celebrate her life. My name is Pat Savage, and I have the privilege of assisting in this program today.
We will hear from a few selected friends who were asked to give their thoughts and remembrances of Kassie's time with us, followed by a special Delta Kappa Gama Memorial service, and finally, a video of tribute.
Kassie, daughter of Koichiro and Morio Sanmiya, was born on July 30, 1921 in Vancouver, BC. She was the youngest of 4 children and the only girl. Her brothers, Gus - Tat and Marm protected and coveted this spirited child. Kassie was a happy and loving girl and always a favourite in her dad's eyes, spending many hours sitting on his knees. She married the late Mits Nakamura and after the war broke out, they had to leave all their possessions in BC and headed east, finally settling in London, Ontario.
Kassie and Mits had 3 lovely daughters, Vivian - Shirley - and Gloria. The whole family spent many hours working at London's first "open kitchen" restaurant. When the restaurant was sold, Kassie was not content to remain at home and became the Manager of the Building Fund for the University of Western Ontario for 7 years. To further challenge herself, she took courses in the evening and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She decided to embark on a new career and continued on to Althouse College and was successful in receiving her Teaching degree.
Kassie was not a passive spectator to life as she embraced her community and her church with many volunteer activities. She was an Elder at this Metropolitan United Church for 4 years, and created and served in the Teleministry, still, a very valued outreach group for this church. She also served 15 years in Christian Education for CGIT, including 4 years as an instructor for CGIT leaders.
CGIT - Canadian Girls in Training, is a program developed for girls ages 12 - 17. Girls and leaders participate in activities based on the needs and interests of the girls in keeping with the four elements: Cherish Health, Seek Truth, Know God, and Serve others. These were truly the guidelines of how Kassie lived her life, having been in the CGIT herself, and she wished that all three daughters would follow her lead and she enrolled them in this group
Continuing with her involvement with her community, she served as President for the Y Macettes and Y’s Menettes of London. These are service groups of the YM-YWCA. Kassie was Regional Director of Y’s Menettes for the Ontario/Quebec Region; and also International Director of Y’ Menettes for 381 clubs in 42 countries. As Director, she took charge of the Y’ Menettes programs for Pittsburgh and Copenhagen International Conventions. One of the proudest moments for her family, was when Kassie was chosen to be a flag bearer, at the Copenhagen Convention.
Kassie was truly an inspiration to her daughters and friends. One close family friend, Bobby Hampton, wishes to say a few words of tribute.
We will hear from a few selected friends who were asked to give their thoughts and remembrances of Kassie's time with us, followed by a special Delta Kappa Gama Memorial service, and finally, a video of tribute.
Kassie, daughter of Koichiro and Morio Sanmiya, was born on July 30, 1921 in Vancouver, BC. She was the youngest of 4 children and the only girl. Her brothers, Gus - Tat and Marm protected and coveted this spirited child. Kassie was a happy and loving girl and always a favourite in her dad's eyes, spending many hours sitting on his knees. She married the late Mits Nakamura and after the war broke out, they had to leave all their possessions in BC and headed east, finally settling in London, Ontario.
Kassie and Mits had 3 lovely daughters, Vivian - Shirley - and Gloria. The whole family spent many hours working at London's first "open kitchen" restaurant. When the restaurant was sold, Kassie was not content to remain at home and became the Manager of the Building Fund for the University of Western Ontario for 7 years. To further challenge herself, she took courses in the evening and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She decided to embark on a new career and continued on to Althouse College and was successful in receiving her Teaching degree.
Kassie was not a passive spectator to life as she embraced her community and her church with many volunteer activities. She was an Elder at this Metropolitan United Church for 4 years, and created and served in the Teleministry, still, a very valued outreach group for this church. She also served 15 years in Christian Education for CGIT, including 4 years as an instructor for CGIT leaders.
CGIT - Canadian Girls in Training, is a program developed for girls ages 12 - 17. Girls and leaders participate in activities based on the needs and interests of the girls in keeping with the four elements: Cherish Health, Seek Truth, Know God, and Serve others. These were truly the guidelines of how Kassie lived her life, having been in the CGIT herself, and she wished that all three daughters would follow her lead and she enrolled them in this group
Continuing with her involvement with her community, she served as President for the Y Macettes and Y’s Menettes of London. These are service groups of the YM-YWCA. Kassie was Regional Director of Y’s Menettes for the Ontario/Quebec Region; and also International Director of Y’ Menettes for 381 clubs in 42 countries. As Director, she took charge of the Y’ Menettes programs for Pittsburgh and Copenhagen International Conventions. One of the proudest moments for her family, was when Kassie was chosen to be a flag bearer, at the Copenhagen Convention.
Kassie was truly an inspiration to her daughters and friends. One close family friend, Bobby Hampton, wishes to say a few words of tribute.
Bobby Hampton
Kassie Nakamura, loving mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend – but to me, she was Mamasan. As mentioned previously, after raising her family, she worked at the university and enrolled in classes at the same time. She then went on to earn her teaching degree and taught at Banting High School. What is so remarkable and extraordinary is that she chose a discipline in which there were few women at the time – computer science! When it came time for me to decide which courses to take in university, I remembered Mamasan and the path she had courageously chosen. Because of her example, I was not afraid to say, “I'm a girl and I like science!” I am certain that many of the female students at Banting were also inspired by Kassie and, because of her, there are women in the sciences today, that might not have taken that route. Thank you Mamasan for leading the way and for being an inspiration and role model to me and to many!
Pat Savage
Thank you Bobby.
Kassie's zest for life continued in the U.S., when she was in Rancho Mirage, California for the winter. She went to the neighborhood Presbyterian Church every Sunday and organized a church/neighbourhood bridge club at the Club House in the Rancho Las Palmas complex. She started with 2 tables of bridge and it quickly grew to 8 tables.
Kassie & Shirley shared some great adventures during their stay in California. They had a great time taking church bus trips, shopping at Galleria at Tyler Mall in Riverside California, where they closed the Nordstrom store in the morning to allow the 2 buses to shop till they dropped. They had the great pleasure to be in the audience of 'Jeopardy' in LA, toured Coachella Valley to see the Spring Flowers, and visited a seeing-eye dog school.
Kassie was a whirlwind of energy. With her financial expertise, she volunteered on the Board of Directors of her London Condominium complex, serving as Treasurer for 4 years and an additional 2 years as President. Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International will now conduct a Ceremony of Remembrance with Ellen Atkinson, our current President. Assisting her is Marilyn Elford, second Vice-President and incoming President of the Beta State, representing Ontario, Joan Wolfe.
Pat Savage
Thank you Bobby.
Kassie's zest for life continued in the U.S., when she was in Rancho Mirage, California for the winter. She went to the neighborhood Presbyterian Church every Sunday and organized a church/neighbourhood bridge club at the Club House in the Rancho Las Palmas complex. She started with 2 tables of bridge and it quickly grew to 8 tables.
Kassie & Shirley shared some great adventures during their stay in California. They had a great time taking church bus trips, shopping at Galleria at Tyler Mall in Riverside California, where they closed the Nordstrom store in the morning to allow the 2 buses to shop till they dropped. They had the great pleasure to be in the audience of 'Jeopardy' in LA, toured Coachella Valley to see the Spring Flowers, and visited a seeing-eye dog school.
Kassie was a whirlwind of energy. With her financial expertise, she volunteered on the Board of Directors of her London Condominium complex, serving as Treasurer for 4 years and an additional 2 years as President. Gamma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International will now conduct a Ceremony of Remembrance with Ellen Atkinson, our current President. Assisting her is Marilyn Elford, second Vice-President and incoming President of the Beta State, representing Ontario, Joan Wolfe.
Ceremony of Remembrance, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, led by Ellen Atkinson
We, as members of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Beta State, Ontario, come together today to honour our friend and member, Kassie Nakamura, Gamma Chapter. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society is a professional honorary Society of women educators. Membership is by invitation and is considered a prestigious honour.
During Kassie’s lifetime, she was all the Society represents - a key woman educator. She performed her educational tasks with enthusiasm and dedication. Whatever she attempted, she carried through responsibly. She enriched the lives of the students she taught and the colleagues with whom she worked. Intellectual excellence and professional growth were her constant goals.
Kassie was a loyal and long time member of Gamma receiving her 25 year recognition in 2012. She was a very intelligent and capable woman, who was Gamma’s Treasurer for 6 years and served as auditor for another 7 years, keeping our chapter in excellent financial order.
Kassie taught at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School in London for 17 years and was Treasurer for 4 years of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation - District 8. One of Kassie’s very dear friends, teaching colleague, and Society sister Sophia Walker will now speak.
During Kassie’s lifetime, she was all the Society represents - a key woman educator. She performed her educational tasks with enthusiasm and dedication. Whatever she attempted, she carried through responsibly. She enriched the lives of the students she taught and the colleagues with whom she worked. Intellectual excellence and professional growth were her constant goals.
Kassie was a loyal and long time member of Gamma receiving her 25 year recognition in 2012. She was a very intelligent and capable woman, who was Gamma’s Treasurer for 6 years and served as auditor for another 7 years, keeping our chapter in excellent financial order.
Kassie taught at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School in London for 17 years and was Treasurer for 4 years of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation - District 8. One of Kassie’s very dear friends, teaching colleague, and Society sister Sophia Walker will now speak.
Sophia Walker
Kassie was loved and respected by the staff and the students at Banting. Two of her students, Roy Wood and John Alexander decided to establish an award in Kassie's name. They were unable to attend today and sent this message:
Kassie Nakamura was our teacher at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School. As our business computing teacher, she afforded us the opportunity to work as a group. We could achieve the course objectives and have a lot of fun at the same time in her class. It would not be uncommon to hear laughter coming from the class; such was the nature of her classes. Belying the quiet unassuming exterior, Mrs Nakamura shared with us the experiences of her life so that we, as her students, could appreciate our fortunes and take advantage of the opportunities granted us.
Teachers can often go their whole career never knowing how they affected the lives of those they taught. She touched our lives and though she can no longer be with us in person, she has imparted a portion of her personality upon all the students that have had the pleasure of her mentor-ship and guidance. It was for this reason, that we former students of Mrs Nakamura, established an award to be presented annually to the student having demonstrated the best potential in business studies. It was our wish that her lifetime of achievements be adequately recognized by successive generations of students to attend Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School. Thank you to the Nakamura family for having shared such a wonderful lady with us through the years.
John Alexander and Roy Wood
Kassie and I were both teachers in the London system at the same time, but, I never had the opportunity of meeting her. However, that changed when I attended a Business Conference where she was a guest speaker. She spoke eloquently. Following her presentation, she invited members of the audience to meet with her, if they wanted additional information or materials. A group of interested people quickly surrounded Kassie and, I, too, was waiting my turn. This chance meeting proved to be the beginning of a long and lasting friendship. She had many accomplishments and her interests were boundless. She was responsible for sponsoring me into the Gamma Chapter, which has been most enriching. Over the years, I was introduced to her devoted family, who always made me most welcome. Kassie was a faithful and special friend who gave me hope when I was hospitalized for cancer.
I miss her, but, she remains in my heart.
Kassie Nakamura was our teacher at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School. As our business computing teacher, she afforded us the opportunity to work as a group. We could achieve the course objectives and have a lot of fun at the same time in her class. It would not be uncommon to hear laughter coming from the class; such was the nature of her classes. Belying the quiet unassuming exterior, Mrs Nakamura shared with us the experiences of her life so that we, as her students, could appreciate our fortunes and take advantage of the opportunities granted us.
Teachers can often go their whole career never knowing how they affected the lives of those they taught. She touched our lives and though she can no longer be with us in person, she has imparted a portion of her personality upon all the students that have had the pleasure of her mentor-ship and guidance. It was for this reason, that we former students of Mrs Nakamura, established an award to be presented annually to the student having demonstrated the best potential in business studies. It was our wish that her lifetime of achievements be adequately recognized by successive generations of students to attend Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School. Thank you to the Nakamura family for having shared such a wonderful lady with us through the years.
John Alexander and Roy Wood
Kassie and I were both teachers in the London system at the same time, but, I never had the opportunity of meeting her. However, that changed when I attended a Business Conference where she was a guest speaker. She spoke eloquently. Following her presentation, she invited members of the audience to meet with her, if they wanted additional information or materials. A group of interested people quickly surrounded Kassie and, I, too, was waiting my turn. This chance meeting proved to be the beginning of a long and lasting friendship. She had many accomplishments and her interests were boundless. She was responsible for sponsoring me into the Gamma Chapter, which has been most enriching. Over the years, I was introduced to her devoted family, who always made me most welcome. Kassie was a faithful and special friend who gave me hope when I was hospitalized for cancer.
I miss her, but, she remains in my heart.
Ceremony of Remembrance (Delta Kappa Gamma Society)
Thank you Sophia.
We will now conduct the Ceremony of Remembrance. As we remember and grieve our loss, may we also give thanks that she lived among us and influenced our lives.
(Joan lights small red candle from the large red candle)
With the lighting of a small red candle, Kassie became one of us. With the flame of this candle, I now light the white taper of memory. Marilyn lights the white candle from the small red candle.
Though Kassie has passed from our sight, her memory lives on. In the book of Remembrance of Gamma Chapter, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, will place the name of Kassie Nakamura among the Members of the Chapter Eternal.
Joan Wolfe
I place this white rose as a symbol of the love of your Delta Kappa Gamma sisters in your chapter, in your state, and internationally. The rose of our Society will be more dear to us as it recalls your memory, Kassie. (Joan places a white rose on the gold engraved red Bible )
Marilyn Elford
A Teacher
She has achieved success, who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.
Who has gained the respect of intelligent persons and the love of children.
Who has filled her niche and accomplished her task.
Who has left the world better than she found it.
Who has not lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty.
Who has looked for the best in others and given the best she had.
Whose life was an inspiration.
Whose memory is a benediction.
Pat Savage
Kassie will be forever remembered for her kindness, her generosity of spirit and her wonderful hugs.
Please enjoy this video created by Kassie’s granddaughter, Kate Ettinger.
We will now conduct the Ceremony of Remembrance. As we remember and grieve our loss, may we also give thanks that she lived among us and influenced our lives.
(Joan lights small red candle from the large red candle)
With the lighting of a small red candle, Kassie became one of us. With the flame of this candle, I now light the white taper of memory. Marilyn lights the white candle from the small red candle.
Though Kassie has passed from our sight, her memory lives on. In the book of Remembrance of Gamma Chapter, the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, will place the name of Kassie Nakamura among the Members of the Chapter Eternal.
Joan Wolfe
I place this white rose as a symbol of the love of your Delta Kappa Gamma sisters in your chapter, in your state, and internationally. The rose of our Society will be more dear to us as it recalls your memory, Kassie. (Joan places a white rose on the gold engraved red Bible )
Marilyn Elford
A Teacher
She has achieved success, who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.
Who has gained the respect of intelligent persons and the love of children.
Who has filled her niche and accomplished her task.
Who has left the world better than she found it.
Who has not lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty.
Who has looked for the best in others and given the best she had.
Whose life was an inspiration.
Whose memory is a benediction.
Pat Savage
Kassie will be forever remembered for her kindness, her generosity of spirit and her wonderful hugs.
Please enjoy this video created by Kassie’s granddaughter, Kate Ettinger.
A Celebration of Kassie's Life (Video)
Kassie Nakamural Memorial from Kate Ettinger on Vimeo.
Closing (Pat Savage)
Thank you Kate. Kassie truly had an amazing life. We all thank Vivian and Bruce Ettinger for the many yearsof travel experiences you provided for her and for your love and attention to making her life easier in Ontario and in California.
We also thank Gloria and Kate for their love and dedication to Kassie. Vivian, Bruce, Kate and Gloria have asked me to thank Shirley for giving such special care to their Kassie and for dedicating her life to bringing her laughter and fun times every day. Shirley's caregiving skills are only surpassed by the deep love she had for her Mom.
We shall all miss our Kassie. The family thank you all for coming here today to celebrate Kassie's life.
Thank you Kate. Kassie truly had an amazing life. We all thank Vivian and Bruce Ettinger for the many yearsof travel experiences you provided for her and for your love and attention to making her life easier in Ontario and in California.
We also thank Gloria and Kate for their love and dedication to Kassie. Vivian, Bruce, Kate and Gloria have asked me to thank Shirley for giving such special care to their Kassie and for dedicating her life to bringing her laughter and fun times every day. Shirley's caregiving skills are only surpassed by the deep love she had for her Mom.
We shall all miss our Kassie. The family thank you all for coming here today to celebrate Kassie's life.
Photos from Kassie's Celebration of Life
Memories & Messages from Family and Friends
For Nana
For Nana from Kate Ettinger on Vimeo.
Celebration letter from dear friends, Dot & Norm, on Kassie's 75th Birthday
One White Rose by Darlene Helman
One White Rose I bring
Just remembering
All the things you meant to me.
One white rose I bring,
Petals, angel wings,
Fly me to your memory.
Now I see your face, your smile,
You, my sister and my friend.
Knowing you made life worthwhile;
Special friendships never end.
Heaven's bells now ring
With your entering
Celebrate the heavenly peace!
Though we're now a-part,
Deep within my heart
Thoughts of you will never cease.
One white rose I bring
Just remembering
You.
Just remembering
All the things you meant to me.
One white rose I bring,
Petals, angel wings,
Fly me to your memory.
Now I see your face, your smile,
You, my sister and my friend.
Knowing you made life worthwhile;
Special friendships never end.
Heaven's bells now ring
With your entering
Celebrate the heavenly peace!
Though we're now a-part,
Deep within my heart
Thoughts of you will never cease.
One white rose I bring
Just remembering
You.
If you would like to send a message for our family,
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It is with deep sadness that the family announces
the passing of our treasured Mom, Aunt and Nana,
at University Hospital, London, on October 8, 2012
Obituary Announcement
Kassie, daughter of Koichiro and Morio Sanmiya, was born on July 30, 1921 in Vancouver, BC. She was the beloved wife of the late Mits Nakamura, dearest mother of Vivian and Dr. Bruce Ettinger of San Francisco; Shirley Nakamura of London; Gloria and the late John E. Stevenson of Waskesiu Lake, SK. Much loved Nana of Kate Ettinger of San Francisco. Predeceased by brothers Gus, Tats and Dr. Marm Sanmiya. Also dearly loved by 5 nieces and 5 nephews. Kassie was a very talented and much accomplished lady. She taught for 17 years at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School and retired at age 65. She managed the Western University Fund Office for 7 years; served 15 years in Christian Education for CGIT groups of Middlesex Presbytery and London Conference, including 4 years as instructor for CGIT leaders. Kassie co-chaired the Alma College Summer School for Leaders of Younger Groups; served as President for Y'Macettes and Y's Menettes of London; was Regional
Director of Y's Menettes of Ontario/Quebec Region; also International Director of Y's Menettes of 381 clubs in 42 countries and was in charge of the Y's Menettes programs for Pittsburgh and Copenhagen International Conventions. She served as an Elder for Metropolitan United Church and was in the Teleministry for 4 years. She was Treasurer for Delta Kappa Gamma, Gamma Chapter for 6 years and 6 years as auditor. Kassie also served as Treasurer for 4 years with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, District 8 and as President and 4 years as Treasurer for the Board of Directors of the London Condominium Corporation, no. 65. Kassie enjoyed life and loved doing things for other people. She will be forever remembered for her kindness and generosity.
In lieu of cards and flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Research only, National Office, 420 East Street North, Sarnia, ON N7T 6Y5 or online at http://www.bcsc.ca.
We wish to thank CCAC, Home Instead and the University Hospital staff for their wonderful care of our Kassie. Online condolences may be made at www.westviewfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Westview Funeral Chapel, (519) 641-1793.
Director of Y's Menettes of Ontario/Quebec Region; also International Director of Y's Menettes of 381 clubs in 42 countries and was in charge of the Y's Menettes programs for Pittsburgh and Copenhagen International Conventions. She served as an Elder for Metropolitan United Church and was in the Teleministry for 4 years. She was Treasurer for Delta Kappa Gamma, Gamma Chapter for 6 years and 6 years as auditor. Kassie also served as Treasurer for 4 years with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, District 8 and as President and 4 years as Treasurer for the Board of Directors of the London Condominium Corporation, no. 65. Kassie enjoyed life and loved doing things for other people. She will be forever remembered for her kindness and generosity.
In lieu of cards and flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Research only, National Office, 420 East Street North, Sarnia, ON N7T 6Y5 or online at http://www.bcsc.ca.
We wish to thank CCAC, Home Instead and the University Hospital staff for their wonderful care of our Kassie. Online condolences may be made at www.westviewfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Westview Funeral Chapel, (519) 641-1793.