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BORN
1937
DIED
2009
Joan Matsumura Obituary
Joan Marjory Matsumura, wife of James Matsumura for 33 years, died on November 11 2009 at USC University Hospital, after an extended illness. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland on April 3rd, 1937, the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth Nisbet. She has lived in the United States for the past 50 years. Painting, swimming, ice skating, raising pets and being a grandmother were her treasured pastimes. Besides her husband, she is survived by her son, John; daughter, Penelope; granddaughter, Savannah of Redondo Beach and brothers, Innes of New Zealand, Philip of Australia, Frank and Allan of Scotland. She was predeceased by one brother, Richard. Joan, throughout her life and during her passing, was a very dignified, most courageous and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Service arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5731 Slauson Avenue, Suite 200, Culver City, CA 90230 or the charity of your choice, in memory of Joan Matsumura. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joan Matsumura
Sponsored by anonymous.
Eddie
September 21, 2025
It has become increasingly rare to find a fireplace that is not fueled by natural gas. But on rare occasions, when I do ignite a woodburning fireplace, I do so in the same manner that my Aunt taught me more than 70 years ago. I place several newspaper sheets on top of one another and then repeatedly fold them together until only one long, narrow strip of newspaper remains. I then I cross the ends of the strip to make an X, wrap the higher end under the lower and finally, pull it through, to use as kindling. To this very day, whenever I build a fire, without exception, I affectionately remember and nostalgically cherish my radiant, Scottish-born Aunt. xxoo
John Charles
May 12, 2024
Right, you are Pat....
She could find the only ray of light on a cloudy day, if one could not be found, she would make one!
Happy Mother´s Day Mum
Pat Farmer
November 11, 2023
Joan shared such funny stories that I have no trouble recalling. If there had only been time to hear some more with her wonderful accent.
John Charles
November 11, 2022
One of the things I miss the most is her unwavering enthusiasm and encouragement for all my endeavors.
Cheering and celebrating the successes, with optimism and encouragement at missed opportunities. Always supportive and accepting, regardless of the outcome.
It is with extreme gratitude; I remember my mum on this anniversary of her passing.
Pat Farmer
November 11, 2021
I can't believe she has been gone so long. When I drive by her house I remember fun lunches and many laughs. I wish we had been acquainted much longer.
May 30, 2010
Dear Jim
I was saddened to hear the passing of Joan.I got the belated news from Ann
just a couple of days ago.Kindly accept my deepest condolences.I have met
Joan a couple of times in DC and without a doubt she was a very pleasant
person indeed.
I realise that you are perhaps going through a very difficult time but at
the same time I am confident that you have the inner strength to tide over
this sad phase of your life.
Ann would have filled you in on the details of my leaving DC but I am
hoping to see all friends soon.
Take care and warmest personal regards
SRI
--
Dr.Sridhar Krishnaswami
Head,School of Media Studies
Professor and Head Department of Journalism and Mass Communication
SRM University
Kattankulathur
Kanchipuram District
May 9, 2010
Happy Mothers Day Mom.
We love you! xoxooxoxoxox
Eddie Morgan
April 27, 2010
Hello Jim,
In the 1950s, when I first met your dear wife, I thought it was incredibly wonderful to have such an exciting person join our family. She even allowed me to use her camera to take my very first photograph and, of course, she was the subject. I am attaching that picture which was taken in 1957. Due to my inexperience, I clipped off her ankles but successfully managed to capture her smiling face and her long dress, which I vividly recall being bright red with small white circles. We were so very happy that day in Oak Bluffs, on the island of Martha's Vineyard.
Aunt Joanne and my late mother enjoyed spending time together. Their husbands were preoccupied elsewhere. My father was working in Hong Kong, Yokohama and Formosa. I rarely saw him during my childhood; perhaps a week or two each year. My mother was fascinated by Asian art, textiles and furniture, so my father shipped containers full of wonderful items to Boston. Aunt Joanne enjoyed these treasures as much as my mother did. In fact, I recall the day when my mother received a large amount of silk fabric, a piece of which she gave to Aunt Joanne. A few years later, my Aunt Joanne mailed a photograph to my grandmother and, in that photograph, I saw what Aunt Joanne had done with her piece of the fabric. She had created a costume for my cousin John to wear at a Halloween party in Kinross, Michigan. The photograph is attached. In her own writing, on the back of the photograph, Aunt Joanne wrote "Johnny as a Chinese, won first prize." If you look closely, you can see she even gave him a drooping "Fu Manchu" mustache!
I was so pleased to learn that you and my aunt visited Cape Cod and rekindled the spirit that existed years before. I regret that I was not there to greet you both. My fond memories are based on only a few years of contact with my much admired Aunt. I treasure them. It pleases me immensely to know that she had a husband and children who truly loved her.
With great affection and admiration,
Eddie Morgan
April 3, 2010
Happy Birthday Mom
We Love you!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxo
Rob Morgan
March 4, 2010
March 05,2010
Received word today about my Aunt Joanne. She was a wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to her Husband Jim, Penny, and John Charles.She is definitely with the Angels.
Nephew Bobby
Jeremy O'Conner
January 13, 2010
Joan was a wonderful woman with a great heart and sense of humor. She was also tough and not to be messed with! She is missed by many but will always remembered. Thanks for the memories.
Diane, Dan & Dana Chandler
January 8, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of grief.
May your memories bring you comfort.
Melanie Murdock
December 12, 2009
I will always think of Joannie as my mom. I miss her and think of her often.
Jim, Penny, John, and Savannah. I loved Joannie very much. Please know I am thinking of you in your time of grief.
John Charles Costa
December 10, 2009
Although she will always be with us in heart, mind and spirit, I will miss my mum here in the physical world very much. Many speak of how she was so strong, she too was very kind, sensitive, fun to be with and had a terrific sense of humor. Her big heart and extraordinary compassion for others always stood out in her rescue and caretaking of so many wonderful animals over the years, as well as to the several kids who were friends of my sister and mine. She took many of them in at times, when their families had gone through a trial or their simply was little love in their house. She watched over them, fed them, housed them and basically tried to give what she had - Love, compassion and just letting them know someone cared.
The greatest things I received from her are to have compassion and empathy for others and all living things, to do unto others as you would have them do unto you and to do the right thing when called upon. These teachings by example, have allowed me to have a very comfortable and good life.
Fondest memories when I was a small child are her cheerful singing in the morning, walking and exploring the fields of nature by our home or anywhere we found it, feeding carrots to the horses, playing Pachinko and Tripoley with the Caylors, her standing up to a mob of “way to emotional” Little League parents, making Christmas so special, teaching me to dance and taking care of me when I was ill.
As a teenager, we had great fun camping and gold mining in the Sierras, visiting the flat in Squaw Valley, getting me out of trouble the few times I did and allowing me the freedom to enjoy so many of the activities I enjoyed.
As an adult, her never-ending love and support, our great friendship, how she always made each holiday special, having our “Scotland” family visit from abroad to reunite where we all shared so many good times and heard many of a tale of life growing up in bonnie Scotland during WWII. She acted as a sounding board / advisor and as an inspiration to “go my own way” when starting and running my own business. Mum was always just a phone call away when I needed comfort, advice or just a trusted friend.
Special thanks to Jim Matsumura for being Mum’s best friend and caring for her through “thick ‘n thin”, giving her back so much of the Love and Compassion that she freely gave to so many.
Mum was the true Matriarch to our family, in every sense of the word and was the conduit for love and bringing our family together.
I am very fortunate to have had such a great mother who was, and always will be my truest and best friend. Her song will always sing in my heart.
Love Always to All…. John Charles Costa – Joanie’s Son.
Fumi Sakauye
December 3, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
November 29, 2009
Dear Jim, Penny, Savannah, John,
I am soooo sorry for your loss, Wife, Mother, and Grandmother.
I also have loss (in flesh only) the same person (MY BFF IN THE WHOLE WORLD). I have an entire 40+ years of memories, good, sad, & funny. Lots & Lots of laughs and tea times, too!!
She is my rock, confident, and sister.
I will miss her enormously and her unique sense of humor! She may be gone,. but she will forever be my "Guardian Angel" sitting on my shoulder; whispering or yelling in my ear--- to keep me in line, or repremanding me for doing something stupid, or perhaps praising me for something worthy, who knows; I may even have her chuckling with me as we have so often done in the past. That is, laughing so hard that we would cry and wet our pants!!!!
I LOVE YOU, MY "LITTLE BUDDY" !!!! Keep a place up there for me!
Love to all the family,
Gail C. Steinmetz
XXX000
Susie and Joyce
November 26, 2009
Dear Jim, John, Penny and Savannah. Very sad to learn of the passing of my Aunty Joan. I know just listening to Mum and Dad,just what a great lady she was.I know how much she loved her family and I remember the funny stories about her household of dogs. My regret is that I only got to meet her when she visited New Zealand many years ago. Those memories are very special. The good thing is that memories stay with us forever and can never be taken away. My mum sends her thoughts and prayers also from the U.K. She refers to" Joanie" as a special, wonderful and fun lady. My love and prayers are with you all. Godbless
November 25, 2009
I was so sad to hear of Joan's death. Although we had not met for many years we were recently reunited through the internet and reminisced together about 'the old days'. We were next door neighbours in Carrick Knowe, Edinburgh. My good wishes go to her family.
Bob Hume in Edinburgh
Gordon Wylie
November 24, 2009
Jim, sincere condolences. I am sorry I only managed to see Joan the one time here in Los Angeles, but have so many good memories of growing up with her and her brothers back in Edinburgh, Scotland.
November 24, 2009
My heart and prayer's are with you and your family, Always Rhonda
Toni Van Beveren
November 23, 2009
I am just devastated to hear of Joan's passing. She was my neighbor who lived "across the street" and she was particularly comforting to me when my mother, Anne Adams, passed away in 2008. I will always miss Joan and our cup's of tea and fun chats. She was a true friend.
Pilar and Jahromi
November 22, 2009
Dear Jim,
We are both very saddened to hear of Joan's passing. We will miss her and always remember her humor and energetic laughter. We enjoyed her company so much that 4 of July 05 on our deck watching the Fireworks!
And her original Christmas cards.
Although we had not been in touch with you both for a while we thought of you often always hoping that all was well. In fact the last two weeks both Jahromi and I had her on our mind as if she was right in front of us.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you and all the family. God Bless her Soul. Joan was a Lovely Lady and our hearts are broken.
We are your friends and please let us know if you need anything from D.C.
All our love,
Pilar and Jahromi
Shirin Kemper
November 21, 2009
To the family of Joan,
I am so sorry to hear of joan's passing. Her beautiful smile will be missed. When ever I think of Joan, a smile comes to mind. And how nice she was inside and out. She was very kind to my family and I. God Pless Her Soul.
Ann & Larry Henson
November 21, 2009
Jim, We send our sympathy and prayers. We are very sorry for your loss. Ann & Larry Henson
Diane Stricker
November 21, 2009
To the family of Joan Matsumura
I was sorry to hear of the passing of Joan. She was a lovely & pleasant person. She enjoyed our Red Hat luncheons and attended when ever she could. She will be missed. I loved to hear her Scottish lilt.
From a Red Hat sister, Diane
Nadine Habif
November 20, 2009
It is with deep sympathy to hear of dear Joan's passing...West End Racquet and Health Club's staff will miss this sweet woman...our condolences to the Matsumura Family and friends...Nadine Habif, Assist. Manager and Staff
Monica
November 19, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of Joan's passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shari Hartman
November 19, 2009
Jim, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My best wishes and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
lillian Nisbet-Baldwin
November 19, 2009
Hi Joan, have been thinking about our lovely holidays and time spent with you and Jim. We have the most wonderful memories of our Dressing up to the Nines, and trying to outbeat one another to find the best restuarant for Jim & Allan. You are in our hearts forever and our Lovely family in USA will get fed up seeing us every year just another excuse to talk about our Best Big Sister & Sister in Law and all our beautiful memories of You. Our hearts are broken and although America will never be the same without you Jim John Penny&Savannah our Very Special to Us. Love Dearest Joan say Hi to Brother Richard and Mum Gos Bless Allan & Lillian Boys
November 18, 2009
Joan we miss you very much and treasure our wonderful memories of our family gatherings every year. We know that both you and young brother Richard will be shining down on us. When we think of the family in America you will always be in our hearts never to be forgotten. We send our love to you. R.I.P.GOD BLESS
Allan Lillian Richard&Gareth Scotland
Jenny, George &James
November 17, 2009
Through dad's stories of you we all felt as though we knew you intimately, and when we did speak to each other the love and dedication you had for your family always shone through. You were a very special lady and very much missed.My inbox will never be the same again.
Sarah
November 17, 2009
Joan sounds like she was a true sweetheart. I'm a friend of Joan's sister in law, Kelly, and I can just sense how much she misses and mourns the passing of Joan. I hope your family will sleep well tonight knowing that Joan was and is well loved and that she is no longer in pain. God bless.
November 17, 2009
Joan.. we are so going to miss you. I miss our Friday night phone calls. You were always there when I needed you. I am so glad we became such good friends, after I married Wayne. I remember you telling me on our wedding day. You bring a spark of life to this family. ANd you welcomed me with open arms. That is a memory I will always treasure. Brianna and Elizabeth thought of you as their grandma (even though you were their Aunt). But you didnt mind at all. I have always considered you my 2nd mom (since my own mom is in Canada).
Joan I am going to miss you so much. That spark of life you told me I brought into the family, has become dimmer since you are not here. I miss you so very very much.
I am happy you are not in pain anymore. You are up with the angels now, in fact there is 1 more angel (and that is you)
I miss you so much. Wayne and the girls miss you so much
WE love you
Wayne, kelly, Brianna and ELiziabeth
Lana Monson
November 17, 2009
Joannie was an absolute joy to be friends with....I will miss her a lot!
She left a lot of wonderful memories of good times spent together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.
pooh
November 17, 2009
Hello Pooh, Finally having the tree removed, miss you a lot, say hello to the guys for us
Sonja Dennis
November 17, 2009
We will miss you greatly, but I must say that through Joan I have learned more about living and being in this life than from any other source. Joan was so full of life that I feel her even now! God Bless to the family and all who loved and admired her! Love From Sonja, Sara & Emily
michelle nisbet
November 17, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Pat and Tom Farmer
November 17, 2009
Joan's bubbly personality, sense of humor, and caring attitude will all be missed. We shared a love of animals and good jokes. My e-mail in-box won't be the same without her. Before she became ill, we had fun exploring various restaurants for lively luncheons. She loved to share stories about growing up in Scotland with her brothers. We are glad that she was able to see visiting family members this summer, always something that cheered her. She will no doubt be in contention in heaven for "world's greatest grandma".
November 17, 2009
I Love You Grandma!
xoxoxoxoxoxox Savannah
November 17, 2009
I love you mom! You were an awesome mom and you will be in my heart forever. I miss you but I know that I will see you again someday.
Until then xoxo Penny
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