SASAKI STITTGEN, Nora Noriko

1942 -2020

Nora passed away peacefully, after a long illness, on June 5, 2020 Pender Island, with her loving husband, Karl Heinz Stittgen at her side. Nora was born in Vancouver on July 27, 1942 to Yuji and Sakayo Sasaki while her family was interned in Hastings Park. Her entire family was moved during internment to Kaslo and then to New Denver, in British Columbia’s interior, where her profound connection with nature was nurtured during those early war shadowed years.

Predeceased by her sister Katherine Nishino and brother Stanley, Nora is survived by her devoted sister Irene Kagawa and her husband Howard, brother-in-law Robert Nishino and her close nephew Brian Kagawa along with many other nieces and nephews.

Internment moved Nora’s family again to Tashme near Hope and upon release they moved to Toronto where she eventually graduated from the Ontario College of Art. Returning to Vancouver, Nora’s warm and welcoming personality brought her to the service industry. Few will forget her smile and her natural and warm demeanour which was so appreciated by patrons of The Salmon House in West Vancouver where Nora worked for years.

Karl Heinz Stittgen, the renowned jeweller, was drawn to her artistic talent. Her innate understanding of colour and texture in all areas of design was also expressed in her own signature, fashion style. After they married they designed and built their architecturally noted home on Pender Island. This home proved to be a centre for endless entertaining and salons; hosting international guests from different walks of life, all of whom deeply appreciated and fondly remembered the experience.

World travel with Karl and close friends was extensive and took South Africa, Europe and Japan, all feeding her creative endeavors. Nora’s cooking and entertaining skills were equaled by few. Her neverending generosity of spirit was well known and she was much loved by friends and clients. Visitors were thankful to be on the receiving list for Nora’s famous jams and other items from her prolific garden but, mostly, you simply wanted to be in her company. Nora was a thoughtful listener, a supportive, positive and loving friend who possessed a quiet strength and a solid understanding of people and life.

Nora’s greatest legacy is that of kindness, gentleness, compassion and beauty which will remain with all those touched by Nora’s loving soul. She was devoted to her beloved dogs and to the end, Kasper, who brought her much joy.

Special thanks are due to the Pender Island Medical Centre for outstanding daily assistance. So many loving friends have lent a helping hand to Nora and Karl throughout Nora’s illness. To them we wish to say how immensely grateful we are. Nora’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void in our lives

Karl Heinz Stittgen Irene, Howard and Brian Kagawa Robert Nishino

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Nora’s memory to the B.C. Cancer Clinic, Victoria or to a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.

"Come sit with me, when I close my eyes And tell me about love and eternal sunshine" Karl Stittgen

Nora on to