Yoriko (Okamoto) Sato

Yoriko was born in 1932 in Japan to Saburo and Miyoko Okamoto. She was the eldest of three daughters.  She loved to sew, knit, draw and read as a child... and she dreamed of traveling and living in a foreign country.

She met Daihachiro Sato in high school and they dated through their early University years. In 1954, they travelled by ship to Los Angeles, CA, where they both studied at UCLA. After Daihachiro finished his doctorate, he got a position at the University of Regina. Here, they raised their daughter Mika and sons Kimihiko (Kiko) and Yusuke. Yoriko, a devoted and endlessly patient mother, also volunteered at their school and supported their many activities.

In addition to raising a family, Yoriko  taught Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement) and continued her passion for sewing and knitting.  In her later years, she made MANY cotton dishcloths, which we still use today.  We will always remember her knitting while watching Japanese television, then giving out dishcloths to friends and family.

Yoriko and Daihachiro loved to travel and fortunately his work in Mathematics brought them to many countries, meeting people from all over the world.  She also stayed in contact with her friends and family in Japan and would often go back to visit.  She enjoyed going to hot springs with her sisters, Yukiko and Michiko.

When Yoriko's first grandchild was born, she moved to Ladner, BC, and enjoyed being close to her grandchildren for the rest of her years.  It was common for one or two grandchildren to be at her house, doing homework and eating her delicious food. This was especially comforting for her when Daihachiro passed away in 2008.  She always had treats for the children.

Travel and time with friends were her two passions.  Her days were filled with phone chats or going for lunches, movies and shows with her friends. Regular visits to Japan were a must but she also went to Cuba with Mika  and California to visit Kiko.  One of her final holidays was to Prince Edward Island to live with Yusuke's family for a month.  This was very special for her.  In mom's final days, she reflected on her favourite memories in life and without a doubt, she said it was her children and grandchildren.  She is dearly missed.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the family of Yoriko Sato has decided to forego the traditional Celebration of Life gathering.  Thank you for your understanding.

As you reminisce on some of your good times spent with Yoriko, if you'd like to share them with us online, we would love to read about them. 

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.