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BORN
1927
DIED
2025
Minako Matsumura Obituary
November 15, 1927 - May 15, 2025
Gresham, Oregon - Minako Iko Matsumura passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025 at the age of 97 in Gresham, Oregon. She was born November 15, 1927, in Wapato, Washington. She was the fourth child of Kyokuo and Natsuko Iko with siblings Tetsuo, Keiji, Yaeko, Sonoko and Momoko.
In 1942, during WWII, Mina and her family were evacuated from their home in Washington state to the Heart Mountain Internment Camp, outside Cody, Wyoming. It was a hard time for the Iko family but Mina stayed positive. Leaving Heart Mountain in 1945, the Iko family settled in Chicago, Illinois. There, Mina got reacquainted with George Matsumura, also from Wapato. They were married in Chicago on June 7, 1953. They moved back to Washington where they raised six children on their farm near Basin City.
Mina was a good neighbor and friend, always helping with community events. She volunteered at school, church, 4-H and Girl Scouts. She loved time with her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. The kids remember Grandma Mina's smile, kindness, and patience. Mina enjoyed books and reading to her children. She found comfort in nature and loved being among her flower and vegetable gardens.
Mina is survived by daughters Carol Ford and family Spike, Neil, Sherrie, Linus and Daphne, and Ryan; Tina Matsumura; Mary Marrs and family Erin and Sean; Wendy Matsumura; and son James Matsumura and family Heidi, Brian and Keith. Mina was preceded in death by daughter Vicki Matsumura, in 2006 and husband George in 2008.
The family thanks Mina's friends and family, especially her many nieces and nephews, for their loving support. We are also very grateful to the caregivers at Fit Adult Care Home who looked after Mina with kindness and compassion.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Minako Matsumura
2 Entries
Michele Casper
May 26, 2025
I think about Mina from time to time. I loved our time spent in book club together. She worked for my husband, Ben, for a time at his tire shop in Basin City. I loved her perspective and always enjoyed visiting with her. She took an interest in our family and made me feel important. She will be missed.
Greg Muhlbeier
May 22, 2025
The Matsumura family were the best neighbors anyone could ask for. This brings to a close to the original Block 20 pioneers.
Bless you all from The Muhlbeier Family
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