Hilary Johanna Kimiko Nordin
04 March 1977 – 20 March 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend and beloved auntie Hilary Johanna Kimiko Nordin on March 20, 2023. Coming on the heels of a month-long birthday “fete” that included games nights, outings, flowers and bundled appetizers, her family draws comfort from knowing that so recently, she was celebrated. Just as she deserved.
Born in Winnipeg on March 4th, “orf”, 1977, to Gilbert Nordin and Valerie Hoshizaki, with a head full of trademark curls, the second of what would be three girls. She was always careful to remind Mylee that she, ‘was actually the older one’ and remind Sayla (Scott) that she, ‘actually wasn’t the boss of her.’ Her heart was broken by the loss of her father in 2003. Her life-long advocate, Gibb was the perfect father for her and the reason Hilary led her life with such kindness for others. In the years since, she and her mom formed an even stronger companionship that included hours of volunteering, plays, traveling and always up to trying new things. They supported, complemented and looked out for one another unceasingly.
Hilary was raised as part of a large, involved extended family. It is from them that she gained her healthy love of absurdity and it was with them that she would unleash her distinctive hearty laugh the most. She leaves behind her cherished uncles and aunts, Warren, Blaine (Sue), Sheryl, Jennifer (Denis) and Kathy. However, she liked nothing more than thinking of the next gen of cousins as its own team and would often quote her much-missed Uncle Edward, “not a bad one in the bunch.”
She found true joy in spending time with children, none more than her own nieces and nephews, Bennett, Sam, Eiko and Mai. Endless hours spent together swimming, playing bingo and complete recreations of Family Feud, no-holds-barred babysitting, unending treats and even, if the occasion called for it, braving the cold to watch hockey. Around Hilary, kids were free to be themselves without condition or compromise. She took enormous care to cater to each of them individually, appreciating and applauding their unique personal interests.
Hilary’s circle of friends was varied and wide. That breadth reflected her sincere curiosity about life. Since her passing, stories have come from places expected and unexpected, attesting to her authenticity, empathy and to the qualities that made her such a loyal friend.
We want to thank the extended family and very good friends who have been such an important part of Hilary’s story. Your messages of condolence and remembrance have triggered an even deeper appreciation for the connections she made and the impact she left. She would have taken some glee at the surprise her sisters had when they realized just how many of their own friends were Hilary’s part of messaging circle.
Hilary could be stubborn – or as ‘stubborn as I need to be’ as she preferred to insist. She tended to see things in black and white. Combined with her inexhaustible enthusiasm for Judge Judy, that could lead to some awfully emphatic opinions. Perhaps it was a way for her to root for the underdog. Hilary knew all too well what it was like to be underestimated, as many who saw her just as someone with Noonan’s Syndrome, did. She knew sign language, played the piano, she loved to bake, was a strong swimmer and a pro at underwater handstands, graduated high school and had various jobs in childcare throughout her life.
Hilary had, what her parents had worried about but painstakingly built, a full life with a community of people who cared for her. But her full life was far too short. Forty-six years is too few. We will forever be wishing she was with us.
We will hold her hand, pat her curls and send her off with the words of her very favourite Anne, “Spread your tiny wings and fly away. And if I could, you know that I would fly away with you.”
The family will hold a service on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 3pm at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In her memory, donations can be made to Hoshizaki House in Dryden, Ontario, for the care of women and children, in a town she loved.
