Tomi Nagayoshi Perreault, most beautiful, loving, faithful, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, passed into eternity on July 30, 2022.  Born October 20, 1925, in Kagoshima, Japan, she was the daughter of Tokuetsu Nagayoshi and Kanasome Nishimoto.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her seven siblings, and her beloved son, Donald.  She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 62 years Ernest "Frenchy" Perreault of Hampton; son Roy (Angel) of Hillsborough, NJ; daughters Lise (Andy) of Yorktown, and Louise (William) of Hampton; son David (Jeannette) of Hampton; and daughter-in-law Shirley of Hampton.  She played an active role in molding her grandchildren:  Justin, Braidy, April, Kristin, Ryan, Jason, Daniel, Joshua, Nathan, Carlos, Christopher, John, Michelle, and Elijah. She invested in the futures of her great-grandchildren as well.

She will be remembered for her selfless devotion to her family, the generous giving of her many talents, her wisdom, and her "grandma-isms."  She was a larger than life personality in a small package.  The Sunday family get-togethers were a staple, and the bountiful meals she prepared each week were enjoyed by all who attended because, as she said, the special ingredient in her food was her love.  She loved to play cards at every opportunity, and the price for Sunday dinner was a mandatory card game.  She had a beautiful singing voice, was a dance instructor and Jitterbug champion, "financial adviser" to the family, orphaned-bird rehabilitator, and was an avid bowler who was active in league bowling until she was 93 years of age.  She touched the lives of innumerable people and will be deeply missed and remembered with great affection.  She held a special place in her heart for all her friends, but especially for her dearest friend of 50+ years, Pam Wakefield and her children.  Tomi and the family have a deep appreciation for the Sentara hospice nurses that attended to her.

Mom was like a cherry blossom – a gift to us from Japan.  The cherry blossom represents the beautiful but transient nature of life.  The life Mom lived was beautiful both inside and out and was recognized by all who met her.  She valued her time with her family and friends and tried to make the most of every moment.  The wisdom of her Japanese culture says, "If cherry blossoms stayed forever, we wouldn't think much of them.  It's only because they are fleeting that they are valuable."

Our family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support from all who knew her.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following organizations in memory of Tomi Perreault:  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.

The family will have a private celebration of her life.