In Loving Memory of Harue “Harriet” Tsubone

May 27, 1924 - November 10, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Harriet Tsubone (née Sano).

Harriet, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend,

passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2025, at age 101 years.

She was surrounded by her loving family.

Harriet is predeceased by her husband Fujiyasu (“George”) Tsubone, and will be greatly missed by her five children, Naomi (Jim), Yvonne (Fernando), Raymond (Janet), Douglas (Cathy), and Ramsey; seven grandchildren, Keith, Amy, Chris and David, Jodie, Ken and James; and five great-grandchildren.

Harriet was born in British Columbia in 1924. She was sent to Japan during World War II at the age of 16. This ordeal led to a long journey around the world, mostly by ship, that ended in war-torn Japan. There, she endured many hardships that proved to be a true testament to her resilience. After the war, she met George while working at an American Air Force Base. They married and travelled back to Canada, where they continued to raise their family in Toronto, Ontario, before finally settling in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

Harriet was the heart of our family, whose laughter and warmth filled our home. She devoted her life to her family, to whom she gave unconditional love, gentleness, and kindness. She found immense joy in being surrounded by all. With a passion for knitting and cooking for family gatherings, Harriet ensured no one went home without a full belly and a warm scarf, sweater or blanket (often multiples of each!) for winter. She especially loved knitting beautiful items for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When she needed a break from knitting, she also enjoyed gardening, catching up on the latest news of the Royal Family and the occasional bingo game or lottery ticket.

We would like to thank the wonderful, compassionate nursing staff and doctors of the Wetaskiwin Hospital for their exceptional care and friendship.

Harriet will be dearly missed and affectionately remembered. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank her for embodying how to live life with laughter, kindness and love.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Harue (Sano) Tsubone, please visit our floral store.