Katsuko "Kats" Matsuo

September 20, 1929 - March 11, 2019

Katsuko “Kats” Matsuo, 89, of Wailuku passed away peacefully on March 11,2019 at Hale Makua Wailuku. She was under the care of Islands Hospice and had her loving family by her side. Kats was born in Olaa, Hawaii on September 20,1929 to Ushi and Kame Arakaki. She was the 3rd youngest of 11 children. In 1995, Kats retired from Maui Electric Co. where she was an executive secretary. In May of 1982, she won the honor of Secretary of the Year for Hawaii. She was flown to our capitol in Honolulu and was recognized by then Governor George Ariyoshi. In her free time, Kats enjoyed knitting and crocheting, gardening, cooking and baking. Her homemade Lemon Meringue Pie was so ono. But her real specialty was her New Year’s Day Ozoni soup. The mizuna was grown in her garden. It brought our family and friends together every year to celebrate. Kats loved to sing in her choir at Iao United Church of Christ and always volunteered her time assisting members of her congregation. She had a great love for her “wiener” dogs, Misty, MJ and the last Choco-choco (who was always by her side in bed or on the sofa). Kats was known to always be kind, caring and thoughtful and would put the needs of others before her own. She spoiled her 3 grand-daughters when they were young. She would babysit them after school and take then to get treats, sometimes shave ice or hotdogs. She loved travelling and going to exotic places- Las Vegas. ha ha, Japan, Okinawa, Thailand, China. In China she saw the Great Wall with her beloved husband George. Kats is survived by her daughter, Jessie (Michael) Miyahira, son, Terence (Cindy) Matsuo. Grandchildren: Nicole Miyahira, Carissa Miyahira and Dayna Matsuo. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, George Yoshikazu Matsuo; son, Peter Matsuo. The family would like to express their heartfelt thank you to the following: caregivers Vicky Gano, Violeta, Nona, Margie, Crizzle and Jocelyn. Adult Day Care in Kahului and Ocean View, Island Hospice, Hale Makua (Wailuku). We appreciate their compassionate care. Thank you to Pastor Tino Cordova and the ladies of Iao United Church of Christ support group. They would come to visit and brightened her day by talking story, bringing goodies and relieving memories. Private Services honoring Mrs. Matsuo were held on March 29,2019 at Nakamura Mortuary. The family respectfully request no Koden (monetary offerings) or flowers.