Violet Hiroko Tanabe

Obituary Violet Hiroko Tanabe "Hello world this is Vi," is how our Mom started her memoirs to her grandkids. Outspoken as a child growing up on the Big Island of Hawaii, Mom learned of acts of compassion and giving from her parents, sisters and brother. The lessons she learned in her childhood led to a career as a public health nurse and then as a school nurse with the Tacoma Public School District. Mom met her husband, Tom Masao Tanabe in New York, and together they raised us in Tacoma. Always sacrificing for her family, Mom would eat very slowly to ensure there would always be food left just in case we wanted more. Dad passed away at a time we were leaving the home to start careers and families for ourselves. Mom struggled at first but eventually grew to find comfort in the Tacoma Buddhist Temple, her garden, her many friends, exercising at the "Y" and her devoted grandkids. Always thinking of others before herself, Mom took special pleasure in giving presents to family, friends and to those in need. When our friends would come over to the house to visit, Mom always found time to serve refreshments and then disappear to her garden. Mom found her 'voice' late in life and was always providing healthy eating advice to whomever would listen and to those who would not. Mom wanted to make the world a better place to live and became an avid disciple of the teachings of the Buddha. Mom passed away in peace in the morning of September 17, 2005 surrounded by her family. One of the many sayings Mom lived her life by included: "Today, I will take the time to be happy and will leave my footprints and my presence in the hearts of others". Hello world, this is Vi. Mom's memories live on with her children, Kathleen (Wesley) Kumagai of La Canada Flintridge, California, Edward (Joan) of Depoe Bay, Oregon and Laurie (Michael) Williams of Shanghai, China, four grandchildren, Sam and Zoe Kumagai, Ty and Bo Williams and step-granddaughter, Heidi Williams. And her family, including her brother Toshi (Stella), and sisters Margaret, Ayako (Richard) You, Asako Chinen and cousin Audrey (Tom) Itow, niece Carla Yamashiro and many other cousins, nieces and nephews and their children. Memorial services will be Monday, September 26, 2005, 2:00 p.m. at the Tacoma Buddhist Temple, 1717 S. Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, WA. Inurnment New Tacoma Cemetery. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home 253-572-6003.