Kyoko "Kay" Mukaida
August 29, 2025
August 29, 2025
August 29, 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our much loved mother, Kyoko "Kay" Mukaida (nee Kariatsumari). Mom passed away peacefully at 93 years old on August 29, 2025 with family at her side at the Fraser Canyon Hospital in Hope, BC.
Kay was born on September 8, 1931 in Vancouver, BC where her parents operated several shops. Kay then lived with her grandparents in Kagoshima, Japan, and reunited with her family in 1949 in Lillooet, BC. They moved to Hope in 1951 where they opened the Hope Laundry. Kay met and married our father, Mynn, and together raised their 4 children on their sugar beet farm in Picture Butte, AB until 1966 when they returned to Hope. Kay was hard working and we remember her juggling parenting along with her jobs at a local gift and flower shop, and later the popular cafeteria attached to the drug store. She took English classes, and enjoyed weekly swimming and coffee with her friends. All the while, Kay co-created our family home of nearly 60 years. The front and back gardens were enjoyed by everybody who came by. Neighbours fondly tell stories of Kay's daily walks. Our parents loved going for drives into the mountains and along waterways where they would enjoy a home packed lunch of onigiri. Kay was very sentimental and collected momentos from their many journeys. They especially enjoyed bird/nature watching, travelling, and visiting family and friends. Kay was a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother. Her gracious and gentle demeanor touched all who met her.
Kay was predeceased by her husband, Minoru “Mynn”; parents Ichisuke Kariatsumari and Teru (nee Noguchi), brothers Chester (Alice) and Roy (Kazuko), and sister Sachi (Fedder). She is survived by brother, Yosh (Gail). Kay is also survived by several generations: children Patricia (Jack), Ian, Joanne (Kevin), and Gail (Rick); granddaughters Lisa (Michael), Jennifer (Jamie), and Darci (Mouki); great-grandchildren Emilie (Ryan), Natalie (Manny), and Jack; and great-great granddaughters Hazel and Rosemary. Kay will be forever remembered by family, extended family and countless friends and neighbours.
With gratitude, in lieu of Koden and flowers, please consider a donation to Hope Home Health-Palliative Care or the Fraser Canyon Hospital (both via https://www.fvhcf.ca/donate/), or the charity of your choice. The family invites you to add an online memory note.
Okage same de – “I am what I am because of you”
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