Tanigami – Betty Kaoru Tanigami, beloved wife of the late Harry Tanigami and formerly of Rosemary, passed away in Brooks on Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 at the age of 99 years. She was born March 16th, 1921 in New Westminster, B.C. Betty attended grade school in Sapperton, B.C. until the age of 16. She worked at the one and only Japanese store for 6 years, where she learned to speak, read and write Japanese fluently. During WWII, Betty’s family experienced separation and several internments including Hastings Park, B.C., Tashme, B.C., then settling in Raymond, AB. This is where she met Harry and were later married on December 20th, 1946 in Picture Butte, AB. In 1947, they moved to Rosemary, purchasing a cafe soon to become Harry’s General Store. For 60+ years, Betty and Harry loved serving and socializing with the people of the community, which evolved into cherished, lifelong friendships. They raised 10 children together. Betty was predeceased by her husband, Harry on November 27th, 2012 and her eldest son, Gary (Linda) on November 7th, 2016. She will be lovingly remembered by her 9 surviving children, Yoko (Nob) Fujimoto, Herb (Lissa) Tanigami, Aiko (Tosh) Sakurai, Mayumi (Lorne) Bunney, Ken (Evelyn) Tanigami, Tia (Leron) Crapo, Tracy Tanigami, Lorri (Jack) Muirhead and Kelly (Shani) Tanigami; 21 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Betty will be forever remembered for her sweet, happy, and gracious personality. A family service will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2020 at 1:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel. Interment to follow at the Brooks Cemetery. Rev. Yasuo Izumi officiating. Koden and flowers are graciously declined. In memory of Betty, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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