Obituary of Betty Hatanaka

BETTY TOMOKO HATANAKAJanuary 27, 1932 – December 4, 2019Passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 4, 2019 at the age of 87. She is survived by her beloved husband Harley Hatanaka; her devoted children, Debbie Drainie (Mike), Gary Hatanaka (April) and Julie Riel; her loving grandchildren Lauryn and Alison Drainie, and Katie and Daniel Hatanaka; her dear sister and brother, Michi Koyama (Fred) and Mas Mori. She is predeceased by her parents Sumi and Denya Mori, her late sister Sue Nagata and brother Bill Mori. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Betty was a devoted and loving wife to Harley Hatanaka, her husband of 64 years. They were truly the best of friends who spent almost all their time together. Even though she struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for the last few years of her life, her fun-loving personality and fierce independence still managed to shine through and touch all those she met. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, daughter and sister; a hardworking, dependable employee and a kind, hospitable friend who never had a bad word to say about anybody. She was a wonderful cook, an excellent bowler, a proficient golfer, an adept baseball player, an enthusiastic traveler, an animal lover and a keen gambler who could also sew and knit; a woman of many talents who did everything with energy and excellence. She will be sorely missed by her family and forever remembered for the very special person she was.Thanks to all our family and friends for their love and support throughout mom’s life. She was very blessed to have so many wonderful people in her life. She was especially blessed to be part of “The Gang”, a remarkable group of friends composed of a dozen Japanese couples who regularly partied, golfed, bowled, played cards, celebrated New Year’s together and marked the many milestones in each other’s lives over 60 plus years. Our deepest thanks and gratitude to personal care workers Connie, Lori and Eileen for the huge contribution they made to the comfort and care of our mother during the last years of her life. Special thanks to the hardworking care team on the 3rd floor of Shepherd Lodge at Shepherd Village. Thanks also to the Unionville Home Society Adult Day Program, the Alzheimer Society, CCAC, Scarborough Grace Hospital, Markham Stouffville Hospital and Dr. Lily Chen. A gathering to honor Betty’s life will be held at the Highland Funeral Home, 3280 Sheppard East, December 20thfrom 11 am to 1 pm. In lieu of flowers and koden, donations can be made to The Alzheimer Society or Shepherd Village Seniors’ Center.