Joan Kazuko Nakamura passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023, at the age of 93 years.

The third oldest of seven children, Joan was born in Lyalta, AB. Together with her older sister, Lily, she went to live with her grandmother in Japan when she was in Gr. 6, and was there during the war, returning to Canada when she was 19 years old. She went to SAIT to become a seamstress, however that career changed when she married Mas and became a restauranteur. Going back to SAIT, she got her diploma in Culinary Arts. They ran three successful restaurants, a beloved KFC take-out, and catered many of the social events in Brooks. After they retired from owning the take-out, they provided many nourishing meals to students at the Brooks Composite High School and Medicine Hat Community College, Brooks branch.

Joan loved travelling, whether it was road trips, or flying to another country or continent. She had many pictures of their travels as a couple, and with friends.  She was a member of the Brooks Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and a former member of the Canadian Restaurant Association.

She loved playing bridge, especially with her weekly bridge group, and also playing duplicate bridge at Pioneer Lodge. She loved any games that challenged and exercised her mind. Her mini butter tarts, lemon tarts and baby dill pickles were a huge hit at the annual church bazaar and different social events in Brooks. Joan leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, grace and laughter.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Becky Nakamura (Calgary), and her grandchildren, James (Calgary) and Tobias (Calgary).

Joan is also survived by her brother, Lido Kondo, Strathmore, AB; her three sisters, Lucy Nakashima, Burnaby, BC, Nancy Takeda, Scandia, AB, and June Terakita (Bill), Lethbridge, AB; her sister-in-law Nancy Kondo, Calgary, AB; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Gloria) Nakamura, Karl Bremmerman; sister-in-law Joyce (Roy) Yokoyama; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joan was predeceased by her spouse, Mas; mother, Matsui Kondo; father, Tadashi Kondo; brother Don Kondo; and her sister Lily.

The family would like to thank the amazing, supportive staff at St. Marguerite Manor for their loving care of Joan.

Services :

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.