Tsuruko Amy Sumi

Tsuruko Sumi (née Sasaki) passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, just two days shy of her 107th birthday. She was a true wonder of a woman, remaining mobile, dexterous, and engaged in activities at the Yee Hong Center for Geriatric Care well past the age of 105. Even in her final couple of years she remained bright-eyed, quick to smile, generous with her thanks, and pleased to accept visitors even when she could no longer remember their names or relationship to her. 

Tsuruko’s early years were spent in Japan. Born in 1918 in the village of Agaramichi, Sakaiminato, Tottori Ken, Tsuruko was the first-born child of Shigeru and Naka Sasaki. Tsuruko lived in Japan with her grandparents until 1937, when she married James Keiji Sumi and crossed the vast Pacific Ocean to live with him on Mayne Island in British Columbia (BC). Within a couple of years, Tsuruko and James started a family. Their sons Charles and Roy were born on Mayne Island, but the family was forced to leave their island home during World War II, and James found work in lumber camps and sawmills in the interior of BC. Two more sons, Robert and Brian, were born while the family lived out west. After the war ended, the family rode a train across the country to Ontario, where they reunited with many Sumi and Sasaki relatives. Tsuruko’s and James’ final two sons, Alvin and Stephen, were born in Toronto.

Tsuruko stayed busy in Toronto, feeding and corralling six energetic boys and managing the Sumi household on Golden Avenue, socializing with her extended family and the Japanese Canadian community, and attending the Japanese Anglican Church. After the death of her husband James in 1983, Tsuruko remained in the Golden Avenue home until well into her seventies. Her later years were spent in Momiji, Castleview, and for the final chapter of her life she enjoyed living in the Japanese wing of the Yee Hong Center for Geriatric Care in Scarborough.

Tsuruko’s positive outlook and sweet demeanor inspired joy and admiration amongst those whose lives she touched along her journey, including loved ones who preceded her in death (parents Shigeru and Naka, husband James, siblings Koko and Fumi, daughters-in-law Ruth and Lilian, and others). And although she will be missed, Tsuruko’s incredibly long and healthy life will continue to be honoured and celebrated by the family she leaves behind, which includes siblings George (Mary) Sasaki, Mary Sano, and Jim Sasaki; sons Charles, Roy (Janice), Robert (May), Alvin (Pat), Brian (Rose), and Stephen (Heather); grandchildren James, Lisa (Dan), Derek, Todd, Leslie (Andrew), Jennifer, Amanda (Matt), and Sarah; great-grandchildren James, Emiko and Ethan; and many extended family members.

A family service will be held at the Highland Funeral Home - Scarborough Chapel on November 15, 2025. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time, and memories and condolences may be viewed and shared on Tsuruko’s memorial website: https://www.mykeeper.com/TsurukoSumi. In lieu of Koden, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.