Kimiko Matsumoto

will be remembered by all who knew and loved her for her kind, generous, and loving nature. She had many pets throughout her long life and had a magical way with animals and wildlife. Her home was a jungle of house plants, and she enjoyed Japanese flower arrangement. Kimiko loved art and music, and was always singing. She learned to play koto and piano while growing up in Japan, and taught her grandchildren Japanese folk songs. She had many artistic talents, including ceramics, painting, and sewing. She was a wonderful cook, and always welcomed her children's friends into her kitchen with good food and laughter.Kimiko was born on September 8, 1920 in Shizuoka, Japan. Her parents were Nakasaku and Mon Mochizuki, and she was the youngest daughter of nine children. She attended college in Tokyo and taught high school economics in Osaka, Japan. She met her husband Roy Matsumoto during the Occupation Period after WWII. He was an American soldier and they were married in 1947. They remained happily together for more than 67 years. Kimiko first came to America with her husband and daughter Fumi in 1952. They lived in Berkeley, California, where Kimiko's second daughter, Karen, was born in 1953. Kimiko was very active in the Japanese American community and in her local Japanese church and choir. They later moved to Fort Story, Virginia, where Roy was stationed, returning to Berkeley after Roy's retirement from the military. They moved one last time to San Juan Island, Washington, to be near their grandchildren and to enjoy a quiet retirement.Kimiko passed away peacefully on the morning of July 17, 2017, at Madrona House on Bainbridge Island. She had lived there since early 2015 following a debilitating stroke. She was in Hospice care for over six months before her passing.Kimiko is survived by her two daughters, Fumi Matsumoto (Richard Cormack) and Karen deChadenedes (John), and three grandchildren, Annie, Nik, and Bryan. We will all miss her kindness, grace, and gentle loving care for everyone she knew.