Aiko Geraldine Suzuki

Suzuki, Aiko Geraldine - Visual artist, teacher, and avid gardener, Aiko died after a long battle with cancer on December 31, 2005. Born in Vancouver in 1937, she was interned during World War II, along with her family, in Slocan, B.C., and moved to Ontario in 1945. Aiko was a whirlwind of activity­­her tremendous energy and experimentation spawned a great number of beautiful artworks in a variety of media, and she offered her unrivalled organisational skills to many different causes. As a teacher and role model, Aiko touched the lives of countless students in Toronto, through film animation and art workshops over the course of more than 25 years. Aiko is survived by daughter Chiyoko Szlavnics, brother David, and sisters Marcia and Dawn. She lives on in the memories of the many friends and associates who knew her for her determination and vivacity, for lessons taught, kindness reciprocated, and joyful friendship shared with a wide variety of people. Aiko was tr uly a force of nature. A memorial will be held on Saturday January 14th at 12 noon, at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court, Toronto. Donations can be sent to the Gendai Gallery Suzuki Aiko Memorial Fund.