Esther Kayaco KUWABARA

KUWABARA, Esther Kayaco
Esther Kayaco Kuwabara (née Ennyu) passed away peacefully in her 102nd year at Extendicare in Hamilton, Ontario on January 10, 2015. Esther was the beloved wife of Masao Kuwabara (deceased in 2002), cherished mother of Diane Kuwabara, Joanne Shimotakahara (Jeff) and Bruce Kuwabara and loving grandmother of Leslie Shimotakahara (Chris), Thomas Jackman Kuwabara and Vita Jackman Kuwabara. She was predeceased by her parents Sannosuke and Moto Ennyu, brother Ken Ennyu and sisters Alice Sugamori, Kay Kamitakahara, Leah Shikatani, June Ashikawa and Mary Korb.

Esther will be missed by special family friends Mary Whitfield and Anna Loughlin, sisters-in-law Alice Kawai (Frank) and Kay Kuwabara (Ken) and many nieces and nephews. She will be fondly remembered for her brave and independent spirit, resourcefulness, wonderful cooking and story telling. Esther gave her children the gift of self-confidence.

Sincere appreciation is extended to Dr. Irene Tuttle and the staff of Concession House at Extendicare for providing Esther with compassionate care in the last year and a half of her life. The family expresses gratitude to Esther's former family physicians Dr. Ed Naganobu and Dr. Peter Chu and nurse Susan Dance.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Esther's life was held on her 100th birthday in 2012. A private family service will take place at a later date. If desired donations may be made to the Canadian Japanese Cultural Centre of Hamilton or charity of your choice.