June Kiyoye Matsuo

June Kiyoye Matsuo, age 75, passed away at home surrounded by family on May 18, 2021 after a short intense battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on June 24, 1945 in Waipahu, Hawaii to Kiyoshi and Agnes Matsuo. Some of June's best stories were from her years growing up in Hawaii; such as, walking along the railroad tracks eating fried noodles from a paper cone, and her grandfather who loved and tended to his greenhouse full of orchids.

If there are two words that embodied June, they would be kindness and generosity. She was beloved by people who knew her throughout every stage of her life, schoolmates, coworkers, neighbors, friends, and family. She had a calming presence, a sweet personality, and often dedicated her life to caring for those around her.

Passionate about animal welfare, June took care of animals near and far through her own actions and her generous donations to various animal welfare organizations. During her daily walks around the neighborhood, she could be seen gathering acorns to bring back to the squirrels that inhabited her backyard to ensure they had enough food. She was a devoted cat mom to several cats in her life, but most notable was the incredible love and bond she shared with a particular cat, Bug.

June's life was enriched by various hobbies she had throughout her life. During much of her free time, she could be found sitting in a sun patch reading a mystery book on her Kindle. She was gifted with a green thumb, nursing plants back to health and maintaining a beautiful succulent and flower garden. One of her favorite hobbies she loved to share with friends and family was her love for playing slot machines at casinos and the delicious buffet lunch that followed. A prior hobby in her life, she was an incredibly talented seamstress making clothes for both herself and her family.

She was a dedicated and loving mother. With her primary love language being "Acts of Service," she would do her best to ensure the happiness and wellbeing of her two daughters. She taught them to appreciate what they have in life, and to work hard to build the life that they want. They will sorely miss June every day of their lives and carry her with them in their hearts.

June was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on April 1, 2021. Unfortunately, her health deteriorated rapidly, but she was surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends. June was an inspiration for her grace, endurance, and acceptance through her battle with cancer. Now at the Rainbow Bridge, June is free from pain and suffering.

June is survived by family, fur-grandchildren and friends who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest a memorial contribution to Lustgarten Foundation, the largest private funder for pancreatic cancer research, or one of her two favorite animal welfare non-profits that are linked to this page.