Kiho Saita

A beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, and sister, Kiho Saita passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at the Renfrew Care Centre in Vancouver.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Seisuke and Hiroshi (Michiko), as well as her sister, Chieko. She is survived by her daughter, Mizue (Hiroshi); her grandchildren, Moe and Eon; her sister, Miwa (Hiromi); her brother, Youichi; her nephew, Koyo (Leanna); and her nieces, Hitomi (Ando), Mayumi (Namiki), Aiko, Harumi, and Mika (Johnny). Additionally, she is survived by her grandnieces, Mai, Mana, Rina, and Erika, as well as her grandnephews, Kaden, Jacob, Shoki, Genji, and Joshua.

Born in the Yotsuya Ward, now part of Shinjuku, Tokyo, our Obasan (aunt) was the second child and cherished eldest daughter of Fusao and Hatsu Saita. She enjoyed a happy childhood and took great pride in her upbringing in Yotsuya.

At the age of 12, in 1944, Obasan’s family relocated to Hokkaido to evade the bombings of World War II in Tokyo. She frequently recounted fond memories of her younger sister, Chieko, who tragically passed away during that period.

With her family, she persevered through the hardships of post-war Japan, ultimately rebuilding their lives in Seya Ward, Yokohama. During this time, she dedicated herself to caring for her parents, assisting in the upbringing of her younger siblings, and eventually became the proud owner of nine Siamese cats.

Years later, Obasan came to Canada to assist in the care of her sister Miwa's young family. However, as fate would have it, she met her future daughter, Mizue, and she embraced motherhood at the age of 45. Canada became her permanent residence, and she found her life’s calling as a devoted mother, despite later becoming a single mother.

In her later years, she had the joy of witnessing the births of her grandchildren in Japan and celebrated the lives of her grandnephews and grandnieces in both Japan and Canada. She took great pride in her granddaughter's decision to reside in Canada for one year at the age of 15 to be closer to her.

Obasan maintained her independence, living alone with support from her sister Miwa and brother-in-law Hiromi, until she reached the age of 90.

Obasan will be fondly remembered for her stash of particular Japanese snacks and Calpis drinks for visitors, her affinity for Louis Vuitton, and her passion for K-Dramas, particularly “Winter Sonata.” Her laughter was truly infectious, often characterized by moments of joyful crying.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional staff at Renfrew Care Centre and Windermere Care Centre for the exemplary care she received during her final 2.5 years.

A private service was held on December 12, 2024.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.