NAKAMURA, Joan Kazuko
October 20, 1929 – Lyalta, Alberta
February 9, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta
Joan Nakamura of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the age of 93 years.
The third oldest of seven children, Joan was born in Lyalta, AB, and spent her early years on the farm there. Together with her older sister, Lily, Joan went to live with her grandmother in Japan when she was in grade 6, and was there during the war, returning to Canada when she was 19 years old. She attended SAIT, studying to become a seamstress. However, that career changed when she married Dad and became a restauranteur. She went back to SAIT and got her diploma in Culinary Arts. They ran three successful restaurants and a beloved KFC take-out and catered many of the social events in Brooks. After they retired from owning the take-out, they provided nourishing meals to students at the Brooks Composite High School and Medicine Hat Community College, Brooks branch.
Joan loved travelling, whether it was road trips, or flying to another country or continent. She had many pictures of their travels as a couple and with friends. She was a member of the Brooks Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and a former member of the Canadian Restaurant Association.
She loved playing bridge, especially with her weekly bridge group, and playing duplicate bridge at Pioneer Lodge. She loved any games that challenged and exercised her mind. Her mini butter tarts, lemon tarts, and baby dill pickles were a huge hit at the annual church bazaar and different social events in Brooks. Joan leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, grace, and laughter.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Becky Nakamura, and her grandchildren, James and Sakura (Tobias), all who reside in Calgary, AB.
Joan is also survived by her brother, Lido Kondo, of Strathmore, AB; her three sisters, Lucy Nakashima of Burnaby, BC, Nancy Takeda of Scandia, AB, and June Terakita (Bill) of Lethbridge, AB; her sister-in-law Nancy Kondo, of Calgary, AB; brothers-in-law Dennis (Gloria) Nakamura, and Karl Bremmerman; sister-in-law Joyce (Roy) Yokoyama; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Joan was predeceased by her spouse, Mas; mother, Matsui Kondo; father, Tadashi Kondo; brother Don Kondo; and her sister Lily.
The family would like to thank the amazing, supportive staff at St. Marguerite Manor for their loving care of Joan.
Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.
In living memory of Joan Nakamura, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
