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Irene Yoshie Matsumoto passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 21, 2020 surrounded by family members. She was ninety-three years old. Irene was predeceased by husband Tatsumi Matsumoto and son, Allen Arii. She is survived by daughters Sandra (Michael) Usui, Dianne (Stanley) Aburamen, Linda (David) Komori, and Karen S. (Riki) Morimoto, grandchildren Renn Lum, Allen Komori, Lauren (Michael) Kawajiri and Travis Morimoto, great- grandchildren Ezekiel & Isaiah Kawajiri and granddog Mia Morimoto.Irene was born on Kauai on November 10, 1926, in the plantation village of Huleia. She was one of nine children born to Shojiro and Tane Okamuro. Irene worked as a waitress at the Flamingo Restaurant and Lounge on Kapiolani Blvd. She retired in 1992, and to this day, there are customers from Flamingo's who would come to visit Irene at her home. Her dedication and long work hours allowed Irene to raise her four daughters primarily as a single mother.
Irene's work life matched her personality and home life. She was the consummate hostess making sure everyone had enough to eat and drink and had a good time. Irene would always prepare Sunday dinners for the whole family by herself till her eighties. Every year her New Year's Day feast was anticipated and enjoyed by as many as seventy-five friends and relatives. She prepared this meal all by herself till recently, now allowing her daughters to participate - they finally passed the test.
Irene loved dressing up and dining out, travelling with family, and gardening in her yard. She had an incredible green thumb and could grow anything she planted. In spite of protests from family members, Irene would not hesitate to climb a tree to get the perfect fruit or cut a particular branch, which she did until just weeks before her passing.
In December of 2018, Irene was blessed with her first great-grandson, Ezekiel. She would light up whenever he came to visit and get down on the floor to play with him. When you saw Irene with her entire family, you saw a truly contented person - one who had a complete life, one who successfully raised four children on her own, and one who enjoyed the accomplishments of her family. We all miss you, your cooking, your warm hospitality, your fruits and vegetables, your limitless caring for friends and family in need, and your warm smile as you gazed at your family every Sunday. We love you Mom, G-ma, Awawa, and a "ruff" from Mia.
Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
