Carmen Matsuda
April 23, 1929 — October 4, 2023
Carmen Matsuda passed away on October 4, 2023, at the age of 94. Carmen was born on April 23, 1929, in Zamboanga, Philippines. She and her family survived WWII. She went on to practice dentistry until coming to the US with her parents in 1954 to join her siblings, who had moved to Tucson after the war.
She met the love of her life, Kaoru “Kato/Mat” and married in 1956. They had two daughters, Elaine and Karen, and one grandson, Kaden, who brought them much joy. As a family, they loved to camp and fish, especially in the White Mountains. Carmen was the life of the party – she had an incredible sense of humor and would always crack jokes right up until her passing. She was truly an angel on earth because she was so sweet, patient, gentle and generous.
When Carmen arrived in Tucson, she attended the University of Arizona and received her teaching degree. She taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Menlo Park Elementary School. In retirement, Carmen had many dear friends and loved going to the YMCA and attending the weekly senior lunch at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center. She also loved spending time with her large extended family.
Carmen was the last living of the Lee siblings born to Percy Yeung Lee and Conception Ko. Carmen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Kato, her siblings Santiago, Sofia, Ricardo (Delia), Francisco, Luciano (Alice), and Cesar (Hazel), Teresa ( Andy) Hum. She is survived by her daughters Elaine, Karen (Greg), grandson Kaden, niece Sylvia, grandniece Brooke, sister-in-law Arlene, and many other wonderful nieces and nephews. Carmen’s wish was to have her ashes placed together with Kato. A special acknowledgement to JoeAnn (her best friend), Melissa and Soledad for all the love and care they gave Carmen for all of these years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, https://www.communityfoodbank… and/or the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, https://www.tucsonchinese.org/ .
Any questions can be directed to esmatsuda@gmail.com .
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