Emiko Kay Valeriote

Emiko Kakiuchi-Valeriote, a beloved wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at Riverside Glen Retirement Home, where she had resided since 2019. Known as "Kay" to family and friends, she was born on December 6, 1932, in Fukuoka, Japan. Her journey through life was one marked by love, adventure, and creativity.

Living as a child in Japan during World War Il, her life was filled with hardship and danger, but she survived through fierce determination and perseverance that would serve her well throughout her adult life. She worked as an Arthur Murray dance instructor and as a tour guide in the popular resort town of Beppu. Having learned English she then worked as a secretary for the Occupation Forces of the US Army in Kyoto where she met her first husband who was a US soldier.

In 1957, Kay immigrated to lowa with her husband and infant daughter. The family moved to various army bases in Germany and the US until they were stationed in El Paso, Texas. The marriage ended in 1971 following her husband's return from three tours of duty in Viet Nam. While in El Paso she worked full time as a secretary at White Sands Missile Range and also had a successful business as a Mary Kay beauty consultant.

In 1976, Kay's path crossed with Michael Valeriote's - their memorable meeting humorously remembered as occurring at Rosa's Cantina. Kay and Michael were married in 1979.

Kay and Michael's life together was rich with global experiences. They traveled extensively, visiting Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Europe, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. In 1979, they embraced a new chapter by moving to a farm in La Parguera Puerto Rico, where they lived 16 years. Kay and Michael had El Pet Shop for 11 years. Upstairs she sold cosmetics and Asian food.

In 1993, they relocated to Guelph, Ontario, Michael's hometown, where Kay discovered her passion for quilting. Her artistry in custom machine quilting became an important part of her life, and from 2002, she collaborated in producing and selling Circlelord Quilting tools.

Kay's journey was not without its challenges. In 2017, she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and she and Michael found a supportive community at Riverside Glen Retirement Home. Despite her health struggles, Kay's spirit remained resilient and her love for her family unwavering.

Kay will be dearly remembered by her step-daughter Julia Galowski for the love "Oba" had for her children and grandchildren, Sunday afternoon sushi making lessons, artistic talents and a sense of humor. Kay was always generous with her time and as a young child and teenager, Julia fondly remembers and is grateful for the many summers in Puerto Rico that she was able to spend with Kay and later here in Canada.

Kay is lovingly remembered by her step-son, Robert Valeriote, as a vibrant and beautiful woman who warmly welcomed Robert and Julia as young children into her life in El Paso and later on our exciting family adventures throughout the US and at "Finca Valeriote" in Puerto Rico. Robert will be forever grateful for the enduring love, loyalty and trust she had for our father throughout their epic journey together.

To her daughter Marianne, Kay was a brave, artistic, fun-loving and independent woman who taught her the importance of hard work and staying hopeful in the face of disappointment and setbacks. Kay's oft-repeated "Keep your chin up, honey," and when something was bad, "Flush it down the toilet!" will forever remind Marianne to keep things in perspective with love and humor.

Kay is survived by her husband, Michael Valeriote; her daughter, Marianne (Greg) Mukai (nee Van Drew); and her stepchildren, Robert (Tracey) Valeriote and Julia (Gary) Galowski (nee Valeriote). She was the proud grandmother of Cheyne Valeriote, Cora Galowski, Chase Valeriote, and twins Rylee and Tegan Valeriote.

The family wishes to extend their sincerest gratitude to all the paramed's, PSW's, nurses and administrative staff for their compassionate care during Emiko's last days.

安らかに眠ってください

"Rest in Peace"