Obituary of Carole Chiyoko Omura

OMURA, Carole Chiyoko

December 18, 1929 - Raymond, Alberta

September 24, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Carole Chiyoko Omura on Friday, September 24, 2021 at the age of 91.

Carole was born in Raymond, AB, on December 18, 1929, to Umeno (Goto) and Sakutaro Saka. She grew up labouring hard on a sugar beet farm. Her mother saw no future for her daughters on the farm and encouraged them to leave and get an education. Taking her advice, Carole moved to Calgary to study office administration at Henderson Business College. To pay for her education, Carole worked as a household helper for the family of a prominent Calgary lawyer. In the fall of 1948, she overheard conversations in the home as the lawyer and his friends planned the first version of what became a Calgary Stampeder Grey Cup tradition: riding a horse through the lobby of a hotel in the host city. Carole was an enthusiastic Calgary Stampeders fan her entire life and tried never to miss a game.

After graduation, Carole worked for Fred King Motors in Lethbridge. But soon, in search of a better life, she and her friends travelled by train to Toronto. Carole worked on Bay St. for Bache & Co. She and her friends enjoyed their independence, dressed in the latest city fashion, and experienced the lively attractions of Toronto.  Carole’s beauty attracted the attention of Jack, a handsome young man with wavy black hair. They met at a Nisei dance club and made a stylishly dressed and attractive couple. In 1954 they married and had their children, Sharon, and Fred. After Jack lost his job with Avro Arrow, the couple moved to Alberta in search of better opportunities and for Carole, it meant a chance to return home. They rebuilt their lives in Calgary where Robert and Jeanette were born. Carole was a homemaker before she returned to work first at Wilkinson Steel Company and then later at Goodyear Tire where she managed their office and accounts for several years. She loved business and finance. While working full time and taking care of her family she enrolled at SAIT to upgrade her accounting and business skills. Eventually she started her own accounting and bookkeeping business.

Carole was an active member of the Calgary Kotobuki Society and she helped with events such as the annual spring tea. She enjoyed tai chi, line dancing, playing mah-jong, walking, and working in her beautiful flower garden. Carole had a sharp and curious mind and liked to debate and discuss the latest news and trends. Above all, Carole cherished her family and would do all she could to keep her family strong. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cooked with them and shared with them her favorite recipes, opinions, and philosophies of life. Carole was compassionate and tried to always make everyone feel included and cared for– a great example for us all.

Carole will be deeply missed by her children, Sharon (Dan), Fred (Ava, deceased), Rob (Tess), Jeanette (Chris); six grandchildren, Patrick (Joni), Ariana (Daniel), Andrew, Dakota, Keilin, Logan; and three great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Oliver and Keira. She will also be missed by her brothers, Jack (Mary Lou), Tucker (Tessie), her brother-in-law, Casey, cousin Tom, niece Jody; and nephews Dana and Jay; as well as long time friends. Carole was predeceased by her loving husband, Jack; her sisters, Emiko and Lily Yuriko, and daughter-in-law Ava.

Funeral Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at 2:00 pm.  Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Omura’s service streamed live Below on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Arthritis Society, Alberta Regional Office #1700, 393 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1E6 Telephone: 1-800-321-1433,  info@ab.arthritis.ca.

The family is forever grateful to the staff of Providence Care Center and Dr. Vernon Fanning Center for their dedicated, kind, and compassionate care.

In living memory of Carole Omura, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.