Obituary of Jolene TAKENAKA

Jolene Mutsuko Takenaka passed away peacefully on January 30, 2013 due to complications from diabetes at the age of 78 years. Jolene was born in Ruskin, BC, raised in Picture Butte, AB and moved to Calgary in 1954 after marrying her husband, Tamo Takenaka, of 58 years. She strongly believed in higher education for women. At the age of sixteen, she enrolled herself at the University of Alberta where she obtained a diploma in education. During her first summer break, at the age of seventeen, she met Tamo. Jolene and Tamo started their family in 1964 when Jolene stayed home to raise their two daughters. Her ambitious nature led her to obtain a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary in 1976. Jolene furthered her career through employment at Shell Oil, PanCanadian and Petro-Canada as an engineering technician. She retired from the oil and gas industry in 1991. During retirement Jolene continued to enjoy traveling to places like Hawaii and Las Vegas. One of her most memorable trips was to Japan with her mother in 1974 to learn about her heritage. Jolene also enjoyed golfing, curling, tending to her bonsai trees and spending time with her grandsons. Jolene is survived by her husband, Tamo; her daughters Lisa (Blair McLean) and Shana (Stuart Woodhouse); and her cherished grandsons Ryan and Kurtis Woodhouse. As per Jolene’s wishes, a private family service will be held and she will be interred at Queen’s Park Mausoleum. Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com. The Takenaka family would like to thank the staff at Unit 37 of the Foothills Medical Centre for their kind and attentive care during her time of need. Please no koden. Jolene was devoted, ambitious and a great role model for her daughters. “She was ahead of her time.” HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES “Calgary Crematorium Chapel” Telephone: (403) 299-0111