Noriko Shimada

Noriko Shimada

Our sweet “Grandma Shimada” (Noriko Shimada), age 92, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, September 23, 2018.

She was born October 12, 1925 in Numazu, Japan. She met Kiyoshi Shimada shortly after World War II.  He was a U.S. Military Officer who would frequently visit the Atami Hotel gift shop that Noriko worked at.  She left her home country to travel to the U.S. to marry Kiyoshi on January 23, 1951.  Noriko and Kiyoshi had two children: their son Kerry Shimada was born in 1959 and a few years later in 1964, their daughter Joyce Shimada was born.

Noriko lived most of her life in Syracuse, Utah.  She played an active role in the Ogden Buddhist Church for many years; where she often cooked for bazaars and fundraisers and made many lasting friendships.  Her passions included cooking (and anyone who had the opportunity to enjoy her food knows that she was an incredible cook), sewing (she made all of her own clothes), caring for her garden, loving her family pets, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents, father Masae Sugimoto and mother Miyo Sugimoto, brother Masumi, sister Yuriko, sister Sachiko, husband Kiyoshi, son Kerry, and many other dear family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter Joyce (Shimada) Vowles, her daughter-in law Carey Shimada, her three grandchildren, Braden, Austin, and Kailee, and her little four-legged companion, Brandy.

At her request,  no formal service will not be held.   A private family graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 13th at the Syracuse Cemetery.

We would like to extend the invitation to anyone wishing to join us for a “Celebration of Life” Open House at her home that same day from 2:30 to 4 pm.

We would like to express our greatest appreciation to her neighbors who gave their unwavering support to Noriko over the years and also a special thanks to family friends, Reid and Laura Fowler, for their love and care of Noriko.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Buddhist Church of Ogden.