Memorial Information
SGI-USA Culture Center
3438 S. 148th
(off Pacific Hwy or old 99)
Call for directions 244-0268


February 17th
1:00PM--3:00PM


Brief ceremony, Family Memories, pot luck Buddhist Ceremony & Pot Luck




Tonya Gemoya was born in Seattle, Washington on May 20th, 1957 to Zenia and Tony Gemoya. After a valiant struggle with insurmountable health issues, she passed away peacefully on December 27th, 2012. She was mother to 9 children -Felicia, Ramon, Antonia, Margarita, Haison, Clayton, Antonio, Jasmine and Rochelle and 15 grandchildren. She is also the eldest of her siblings --Michael, Nancy and Leslie.

She loved to bead, participate in spiritual development through native pow wow and Buddhism and take care of her grandchildren. She dearly loved her niece Sydney whom she occasionally cared for growing up. She also enjoyed a few side trips to Muckelshoot with friends.

Ultimately, Tonya was a survivor who faced numerous odds and difficulties throughout her life. She especially appreciated Angeline's that offered support and shelter through tough times. In the end through self-love, spirituality and acceptance she found stability.

If she could send one message to all it might be found in the following poem written years ago by an unknown woman on a brown paper bag. It read:


Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.


Her son Haison also dedicates the following poem for her:


732 days of my life,
Only 732 days...ain't right,
732 all bright,
Started one
Christmas night...


The look on your face,
I'll never forget,
Many years missed,
Lost in the past,
The time that we spent,
will forever last...


I didn't say
how much I love you,
Didn't get to kiss or hug you,
as much as I could have,
after 732 days,
I wish I would have...
Wish I had one last chance,
or even one more glance,


But now you're
stuck in my heart,
to never part,
or be out of my mind,
till the ending of time,


Mom I love you so much,
after being in touch,
I'm just happy,
I did get to know ya,
732 days,
Tonya Gemoya