It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Toshiko Norwood who left us on December 4, 2025. She was 93 years old.

Toshi is survived by her daugters Kai Lee Norwood, and Leah Veile, her sons-in-law Sanford Veile and Larry Shed, her grandson Jason Veile and his wife Anna and her two great-grandchildren JJ and Jasmine.

Toshi, as she was fondly called by friends, family, and customers was born on September 17, 1932, to Hiromasa and Kai Shimasaki in Tokyo, Japan. She married William L. Norwood and came to the United States in 1951. She lived in Japan, Taiwan, Oregon, Arkansas, and Colorado over her ninety-three years. She traveled the world extensively with her mother and was able to visit every country except Mexico. She owned Toshi’s Tailor in Colorado Springs for over 30 years. She provided tailoring services to the Colorado Springs community and loved her business and her customers. She always said her tailor shop business was not really a business or job, it was something she was excited to do every day and what she loved. She retired in June 2025 after her colon cancer was discovered.

Toshi had tailor shops in Eugene, Oregon, Fayetteville, Arkansas and Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was known for her exceptional skills, professionalism, and her immense sense of humor. She was respected by her colleagues and clients alike. She had an immense passion for tailoring and always said it was not a job but something she loved to do. Often asked when she would retire, she said she would not retire and just pass away at her sewing machine.

Toshi was always available for her family and friends. She was a loving and caring Mother and person. Her enthusiastic sense of humor always put a smile on everyone’s face.

Toshi’s favorite pass time was The Golden Nugget Casino in Cripple Creek. We would take her at least twice a month. She would get dressed up in a new outfit she made for herself and we would drive her to Cripple Creek. She would take her $200 in $5 dollar bills. She loved playing any machine and just loved to see the new and different machines. She also loved The Golden Nugget staff who were kind to her and always looked after her, ensuring her well-being. Her second favorite pass time was going to Curves and being one of the oldest participants. She loved chatting with all the ladies and was so happy with the staff. Last but not least were her get-togethers every Thursday with her dear friend Karen Eberhart.

Her spirit, characterized by generosity, kindness, and humor will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, customers and all the lives she touched.

We are honoring her wishes and will not have a funeral service or a celebration of life. She wished to go quietly and to be with her husband, son, mother, father and all her dogs in her life ever after.

Your life on earth was long, happy, and productive. May you rest in everlasting peace, Mom You will always be in our hearts and memories.