Yoshino Matano

1915 - 2016

Yoshino Matano
June 4, 1915~October 6, 2016
Resident of Watsonville
Yoshino Matano, 101 years old, died October 6, 2016 in Watsonville, California while resting peacefully. Yoshino was born in Watsonville on June 4, 1915 at 161 A Main St. to the late Ben and Yuki Torigoe. Preceded in death by her husband, Yoshio; brothers, Drs. Ernest and Kenji Torigoe and sister, Toyoko Nakanishi. Survived by sons, Susumu Matano (Michiko), Takeshi Matano (Masako) and David Matano (Anne), seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren all living in California. Also survived by many nephews and nieces residing in California and Japan.
At four years of age, Yoshino was sent to Japan to live with her grandfather and uncle. They both gave her the opportunity to experience the Japanese culture, playing the Koto, the Tea Ceremony, attending a girl's high school and learning Ikebana (ancient art of flower arranging). Ikebana became her lifelong passion. Her uncle also taught her how to cook many Japanese dishes.
Yoshino returned to California from Japan in 1934. Her first job was to teach Japanese language in a school house in Castroville (now a historical site). WWII started and she was ordered to relocate to Colorado. Upon returning to Watsonville after the war ended, Yoshino began teaching Ikebana and by 1992 achieved the highest degree in the Ikenobo Ikebana Society. She leaves a legacy of dozens of talented and dedicated students to carry on the art. She strongly believed that Ikebana should be available to all nationalities and cultures.
Watsonville was a very welcoming community after WWII. Upon returning the Wilkinson family of Granite Construction was her first employer who hired her without question. The company became a lifelong employer for her husband. During the difficult post war period, Dr. Ruth Frary M.D. and Dr. J. Ludden M.D. gave her free medical care for many years.
Our family would like to thank the many people who contributed to the wonderful 101 years of life of Yoshino Matano.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Watsonville Buddhist Temple on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at 1 pm. Mehl's Colonial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.


View the online memorial for Yoshino Matano