HELEN IKEBUCHI

1925 - 2013

Helen Ikebuchi (nee Shimbashi) beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away with family at her side in Taber on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at the age of 88 years.
Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. Burial followed at the Barnwell Cemetery.
Helen is survived by her daughter Brenda (Glen) Wada of Barnwell and their daughter Kassidy Wada; son Wayne Ikebuchi of Calgary. She is also survived by her sisters May Takahashi and Kathleen Murakami; brothers Henry Shimbashi, William (Micheline) Shimbashi and Patrick (Dianne) Shimbashi; sisters-in-law Margaret Shimbashi, Kay Shimbashi, Yo Ikebuchi, Kay (Syd) Adachi and Chiyo (Rick) Starling; brothers-in-law Tom (Barb) Ikebuchi as well numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Norman Yotaro Ikebuchi; parents Zenkichi and Teru Shimbashi; brothers Edward, Albert, George and John Shimbashi; sister-in-law Sunao Shimbashi; brother-in-law Joe Takahashi; friends Harry Ikebuchi, Aigi Shigehiro and several in-laws and extended family.
Helen, the second child of Zenkichi James and Teru Shimbashi was born on January 25, 1925 at the Prince of Wales Ranch in Peskisko, Alberta. In 1926, the Shimbashi Family moved to a small farm in Welling and then to Barnwell in 1943. Helen entered the Medicine Hat Hospital Nursing Program and after much dedication and hard work, she graduated in 1948, receiving the General Proficiency Award and RN distinction. Her forty four year nursing career was spent in the Medicine Hat, Lethbridge and Taber Hospitals in various roles, from operating room instructor, emergency room nurse, to OR and emergency department supervisors. Even after retiring from hospital nursing in 1992, her caring ways and instincts lead her to help at Clearview Lodge.
Helen married Norman Yotaro Ikebuchi on November 14, 1953. They first resided in Lethbridge, then moved on to Taber in 1966. This is where she has made her home till her passing. Helen was involved in many organizations including but not limited to, bowling leagues, Hospital Auxiliary, local AARN, U.C.W., Tottori-Kenjin Doshikai and Kagoshima Society. She also taught oriental cooking and sushi making classes, this lead her to volunteer and demonstrate her talents to several local Grade seven classes during their studies of Japan.
Helen spent some of her free time doing things that she enjoyed, including bowling, fishing, knitting, cooking and especially spending time with family and friends. With her passion for nursing, helping others and cooking talents, Helen has touched many lives.