MATSUKO MATSUMOTO

If you had occasion to meet Matsuko Matsumoto, you would have no doubt that she was a proud product of Lana’i and embodied the character and values of the bygone plantation era. Born on Kauai, she arrived on Lana’i at the age of 2 and was the second of four children of Teiichi and Kimiyo Kaya who relocated to work on that island’s newly established pineapple plantation.

Matsuko spent her life thriving in what was once the largest pineapple plantation in the world. She graduated from Lana’i High School and entered the workforce as an office clerk but later chose to work as a field laborer picking pineapple. It wasn’t until much later when equal rights for women were acknowledged that she became one of the first female “luna” on the plantation and eventually retired as a field superintendent for Dole Company. Many high school summer seasonal workers went through the experience of having “Mrs. Matsumoto” as their “luna” and she developed a reputation for having a firm hand. Matsuko saw her role not only as a job supervisor, but also to instill in the youths in her care, core values and confidence they could take with them after their plantation job experience.

The isolation of Lana’i did not deter Matsuko from enjoying a fulfilling life. She was an active community volunteer throughout her life but she most enjoyed being an engaged member of the Lana’i Hongwanji Mission where she and her husband Yukio met and were married. The couple did not have the opportunity to attend college but made sure that their two sons did. Embracing the concept of “kodomo no tame ni – for the sake of the children,” they diligently saved and put aside their own material wishes and dreams to enable their two sons to attend colleges on the mainland and pursue successful careers in law and business.

In retirement Matsuko had time to pursue her hobbies of gardening and crocheting as well as volunteering at the Lana’i Community Hospital and the Lana’i High and Elementary School. Her idea of retiring was staying active and helping others whenever she was able. Matsuko would regularly visit the Lana’i Senior Center where she could spend time with her friends. Singing was one of Matsuko’s favorite pastimes and she was always ready to join in a karaoke session.

Matsuko Matsumoto passed away peacefully on February 27, 2023, at the age of 94. She is survived by her sister Helen (Frank) Takenouchi and children Colbert (Gail) and Kurt (Lyn Utsugi) Matsumoto. She also has four grandchildren, Maya, Mandy, Kamryn and Alex Matsumoto.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Plaza at Punchbowl
who cared lovingly for her over the last 10 years of her life.
Private service arrangements are being made.