After a long and full life, MARY MATSUKO NAGO, of Lethbridge, passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at the age of 96 years.

Mary was born on March 2, 1922 in Drumheller, Alberta to Anno and Kiyo Makishi. She married Mickey Eiro Nago in 1942 and together they raised six daughters. They were married 26 years.

Mary's faith and worship were very important to her. She was involved in many community activities including the Coaldale Seniors Association, Coaldale Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, Lethbridge Nisei Gospel Church, Canadian Japanese Mission, Lethbridge Haig Tower Senior Association, Lethbridge Army and Navy Club and the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen . Prior to moving to Lethbridge, Mary was employed at Coaldale Pharmacy and Gifts. Many will remember her cheerful demeanor and caring ways.

She is survived by her six daughters; Marlene (Greg) McCaughey of Lethbridge, Faye (Joe) Riehle of Batavia, Ohio, Lynda Brassard of Lethbridge, Amy (Hoppy) Unger of Coaldale, Dianne (Sheldon) Gleave of Langley, B.C., Luanne (Allan) McCray of Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., niece Dawn Makishi of Calgary and niece-in-law Christel Makishi of Lethbridge. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren; Derek McCaughey, Shannon Wobschall, Joanna Weingartner, Stefanie Riehle, Denise Nachtigal, Trevor Inaba, Cara Inaba, Renae Giles Way, Christine Gleave, Jacqueline Gleave, Kimberly Gleave and Stephen McCray, and 18 great-grandchildren; Emily and Lillian McCaughey, Maggie, Jane and Anne Wobschall, William Weingartner, Penelope Schneider Riehle, Isabel, Kaori and Evan Nachtigal, Dani and Kwynton Giles, Kieran and Ryland Inaba, Zoe and Ember Cheung, Raiden Villanueva and Jaxon Dewinetz.

Mary is predeceased by her husband Mickey, brother Ted, sister-in-law Susie, nephew Rod and parents Anno and Kiyo Makishi.

A Private Family Graveside will be held prior to the Memorial Service.

A Memorial Service will be held at the LETHBRIDGE CHRISTIAN TABERNACLE, 1805 - 9 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of expressions of sympathy, gifts are gratefully accepted to Mary's church: Faith Baptist Church, c/o 30 Pensacola Court West, Lethbridge, AB T1K 4R6 or to L'Arche Lethbridge (granddaughter Cara's group home), 240 - 12C Street North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2E8.

I Needed the Quiet

I needed the quiet so he drew me aside.

Into the shadows where we could confide.

Away from the bustle where all the day long

I hurried and worried when active and strong.

I needed the quiet tho at first I rebelled

But gently, so gently, my cross He upheld

And whispered so sweetly of spiritual things

Tho weakened in body, my spirit took wings

To heights never dreamed of when active and gay.

He loved me so greatly He drew me away.

I needed the quiet. No prison my bed,

But a beautiful valley of blessings instead -

A place to grow richer in Jesus to hide.

I needed the quiet so He drew me aside.

By Alice Hansche Mortenson