Nancy Namiye MURAKAMI

MURAKAMI, Nancy Namiye
July 3, 1933 – April 23, 2015
Nancy Namiye Murakami, beloved wife of Mr. Robert (Bob) Murakami for 57 years, passed away on April 23, 2015 in Calgary, AB at the age of 81. She was the loving mother of Kayna Prisnie (Curtis) and will be deeply missed by her two grandsons Joey and Douglas Prisnie. She is survived by her siblings Daisy, Fran, and Takao, and predeceased by her mother Kimiyo and father Kaoru in Japan, and by her sisters Mitsuko, Kayoko, Toshiko, and brother Terry. Nancy was born in Steveston, BC where she lived until 1941 when her and her family were placed (during the war) in a Japanese internment camp in Taylor Lake until 1945. From 1946 to 1953 she lived in Japan. She returned to Canada as a young woman, after being sponsored to work for 2 years as a housemaid in Calgary for her boat fare. Nancy then went on to work as a comptometer operator at United Grain Growers for 9 years. During this time she met Robert Murakami and they married in 1958. After giving birth to their only daughter Kayna in 1964, she then enjoyed being a wife, mother and working in retail. Nancy dearly loved her grandsons, and was especially close to her sister Mitsuko's sons and daughter - Ken Iori (Susan), Ed Iori (Renee), and Ruby Iori (Les). She was called Auntie Nancy by them and their children and was like a second mom and grandma to them. Nancy enjoyed inviting friends and family to their backyard pool parties during the summer and large dinners during special occasions. Known for her joy of hosting, Nancy always brightened the day of others with her sushi, vast array of different dishes and snacks and was always excited to have another mouth to feed. She had a talent for sewing and all forms of needlework, helping sew costumes during her grandkids involvement with The Young Canadians. Nancy will be remembered for her love and commitment to family, selfless generosity to others, and kindness to all. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home (1605 100 Street SE) on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. In lieu of Koden/ flowers, donations may be made directly to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, #200, 119 - 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 or online at www.heartandstroke.ab.ca. To express condolences, please visit: www.mountainviewmemorial.ca.