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NANCY ARINOBU
FUNERAL HOME
NANCY ARINOBU Obituary
It is with deep sadness that the family announce the peaceful passing of Nancy Yasuko Arinobu, a resident of Thunder Bay, Ontario on October 23, 2025 at the TBRHSC, at the age of 100. We are comforted and thankful that she lived a happy, healthy, good and long life. Nancy was born in Vancouver, BC on June 14, 1925 to Shigeo and Yoshi Tabe and was educated there. After the war, she and her family settled in Fort William. Nancy married Sam Saburo Arinobu on May 14, 1949 and soon after they began their family. Nancy enjoyed raising her 3 children and was a stay at home mom. At the age of 50, Nancy returned to school and completed the Health Care Aide Program through Canada Manpower at Confederation College. Upon completion of the program, she gained employment at Hogarth Westmount Hospital and enjoyed a 15 year career there. Sam and Nancy enjoyed trips travelling to Nanaimo, Toronto, Duluth, Las Vegas and Japan. Nancy was an active person and some of her interests included bowling, Japanese dancing (odori), karaoke, sewing, mall walking and mizuhiki (Japanese art form). She was an active member of the Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association and the LJCA 55 Plus Club. She was always willing to help and participated in many activities. Nancy enjoyed participating in the VON Seniors Exercise classes twice a week at the West Thunder Community Centre up until her passing. Nancy is survived by her daughters Marlene Hedch (Terry Ohman) Nanaimo, BC and Janet; grandchildren Jesse (Amanda) Hedch (Swan River, MB) and Aaron Hedch and great grandchildren Benjamin and Annabelle (Nanaimo, BC). Also survived by her brother Tom (Joyce) Tabe (Pinawa, MB) and many nieces and nephews. Nancy was predeceased by her husband Sam (2017), son George (2020), parents Shigeo and Yoshi Tabe, sister Mary (Ken) Arinobu and brother Shigeyoshi Tabe. A special thank you to Wesway and her respite workers Debbie, Susan, Keana and Karlyne….Mom enjoyed the time spent with all of you. Also, many thanks to her nieces Sharon, Brenda and Pam for all you've done for mom over the years. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Nancy's life will be held in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wesway, VON-Thunder Bay, TBRHSC or a Charity of Your Choice would be appreciated by the family.
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Memories and Condolences
for NANCY ARINOBU
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6 Entries
Ruth Armstrong
Yesterday
Dear Janet,
Your Mom was remarkable at 100 years of age!
I remember her 100th birthday when she couldnt believe she was turning 100! She was so active every day and spent so much time with you at the West Thunder Community Centre, out for lunch and shopping! You were a wonderful caregiver and I know your family that lived far away appreciated everything you did for her. I enjoyed seeing her pictures sitting on the back porch while you were working in the garden. May she rest in peace!
Marilyn Stephenson
November 17, 2025
I worked at Hogarth Wes tmount with Nancy. She was an amazing HCA, always smiling, and wonderful with the patients.
My condolences
Marlyn Elvish Stephenson
Jerry Mendek
November 16, 2025
Janet, Your mother was a remarkable lady. I am sorry for your loss.
Jerry Mendek
Lorraine Wilson
November 16, 2025
Always admired Nancy's attending the senior exercise classes at WACC. She was a model of how we can age gracefully and well. My sincere condolences to all her family, and it was such a pleasure to know Nancy.
Kent Broughton
November 15, 2025
Janet, sending sincere condolences
So sorry to hear of your mother´s passing but she certainly lived an amazing life - thinking of you at this difficult time
Take Care,
Kent Broughton
Joy Warkentin
November 15, 2025
Janet, I am sorry you have lost your mother. I know how good you were to her and she had a marvellous and long life. Take care.
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