Doris Kazuko Nakashima (née: Kojima)
February 15th, 1930 – February 14th, 2025
With deep love and sadness, we share the passing of Doris Kazuko Nakashima, a strong and independent woman who left us peacefully on Friday, February 14th, 2025, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, just one day shy of her 95th birthday.
Doris was born on February 15th, 1930, in Fanny Bay, British Columbia to Kenzo and Kotane Kojima. Her family moved briefly to Hiroshima, Japan but returned to Royston, British Columbia. Due to the internment of Japanese Canadians in World War II, she and her family were relocated to Hastings Park Detention Center in Vancouver, BC. After 6 months the family was then transferred to Tashme Japanese Internment Camp. Post-war Doris and her family moved to Moose Jaw, SK. The Kojima family then moved to Sanford, MB and then settled in Winnipeg, MB. It is in Winnipeg that she attended dressmaking school before meeting her future husband, Bob Nakashima. After they wed Bob and Doris resided in Moose Jaw, filling their home with love, warmth, and quiet strength together for 63 years.
Doris dedicated her life to caring for her family. She found joy in the simple yet profound acts of love by sewing, crocheting, knitting, baking and cooking for those she loved, tending to her bountiful garden, and always putting others before herself. She balanced raising a family with being the bookkeeper and Bob’s right-hand helper at her husband’s business, known as Bob’s Denture Clinic. Doris was active in the UCW at St. Andrews United Church and the school PTA at Victoria School that her children attended. Bob and Doris enjoyed travel to Hawaii and casino bus trips. She enjoyed passing on her culinary talents to her grandchildren. She was an avid reader with a fondness for reading non-fiction. Doris always had a good book on hand to read. She never missed an opportunity to stay informed, always keeping up with current events and informing her family of all the happenings on CNN.
Doris was the heart of her family — she will be remembered for her nurturing ways, kindness and her generosity. She is deeply loved and missed by her daughters, Elaine (Greg) McKeown and Patti (Mark) Gibney; grandchildren: Gary (Trish), Daniel (Zana), Justin (Erin), Michael (Tess), and Kiyomi; and great-grandchildren: Olivia, Rowan, Jada, and Abigail. She leaves behind her sister, Dorothy; brother, Henry (Vivien); along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Bob; brother, Mickey and his wife, Thelma; sister, Kay and her husband, Richard; brother-in-law, Bill; and sister-in-law, Mickey.
Her kindness touched everyone who knew her, and her legacy of love and resilience will live on in the lives she shaped.
Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. V Rininsland and his receptionist Kayla, and June (retired) and Dr. F. Ramadan for their kindness and care afforded to Doris over the years. Your support and compassion meant so much to her and all of us. We would like to sincerely thank Dr. J. Hall, Dr. C. Beaton, and Dr. E. Bortolotti for their exceptional care and guidance. Special thanks to the EMS crew, the Emergency and Medical Unit staff at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital, and the Palliative Care Team. Your dedication and kindness during this time brought us great comfort. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for everything you have done for Doris and her family.
In honouring Doris’s wishes, a private family interment will take place at a later date.
“There are obstacles in life that sometimes seem so great we don’t know if we have the courage to deal with them. Just know there are people who care deeply and have enough strength, faith and hope for you to lean on whenever you need it.” Adele Basheer.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Shirese Noble Funeral Director 306-693-4550.
Elaine and family I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was as sharp as a tack and remembered so much. Such a kind and gracious lady, I know she will be deeply missed. Keeping you in my thoughts today
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your mother. May God hold you close & keep you in His tender loving care as you pass through this time of deep loss.
Elaine and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, our deepest sympathies
Wally and Norine Seida
Patti and family,
Deepest sympathies on the passing of your mom. The obituary was written so beautifully…I feel like I knew her. It sounds like you have had to say goodbye to a very special person.
(We met years ago, I believe when our boys played sports together. I hope you and your family are well. )
Take care.
Sending condolences Elaine and Patti on the loss of your Mom. Doris was a wonderful lady, she will be missed by all who knew her. Heaven gained a special angel
Elaine, Patti and families, So sorry to hear of the passing of your mom/grandma. Cherish your many memories.
Art and Joyce Schick
Patti and family: Please accept my deep and sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. I have fond memories of her. When we were children and I visited your home, she was always very gracious and kind. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending my deepest condolences to your family at this sad time. She was always one of my favourite people. She was a great lady! I know she will be greatly missed.
Patti, Elaine and family members. Your Mom was such a sweet lady, she raised her girls just like her. She was so patient with all of us, as young teens, hanging out at her place. We always felt welcome. Such a strong woman. I have fond memories to reflect on. Hugs to all of you.
Elaine and family……..
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Doris.
Elaine, Patti and Families condolences to all on the passing of your mother. With fond memories of her on our visits to Moose Jaw. Clara Iwaasa and granddaughter Becca.
Elaine, Patti and Families…please accept our deepest condolences from the Jensen Family.
Dear Elaine, Patti and Families. Were so sorry for the loss of your Wonderful Mom. Sending you all tight hugs xoxo
Patti, Elaine and Families, – So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Always such a pleasant lady.
-Garry and Kathy Downton.
My condolences to you, Elaine and family, on the passing of your cherished Mother.
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the loss of a very special lady. She was always so gracious and kind. Always so appreciative of everything.
Your parents wonderful traits were passed on to each and every one of you. Such a beautiful lady. Such a great family. You all hold a special place in my heart.Thinking of you with heartfelt condolences.
(Thank you so much for your kind words in the obituary. )
Elaine, Greg,Patti and families My condolences on the loss of your Mom. Prayers and sympathy.
Dear Elaine and Patti
It is of great sorrow that I read about your mom’s(and dad’s) passing. I know that their wonderful legacy will forever live on through you and your family. It was a blessing in my lifetime that our paths crossed.