Obituary of Bessie Fumiye Matsuo

Bessie passed away at home unexpectedly on Thursday, March 4, 2010, at the age of 92. Born in Kent, Washington, she spent most of her life in Sacramento, California. She was a remarkable lady who enjoyed a full and healthy life surrounded by four generations of her loving and devoted family, as well as by countless friends. In addition to being a wonderful homemaker, she worked for the State Department of Motor Vehicles for 25 years before her retirement in 1983. Bessie was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Kenichi Matsuo, and by her daughter Carol. She was also predeceased by her brother, Frank Tanigawa, and her sister, Mary Yamamoto, both of Seattle, Washington. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Matsuo Caffrey (John), granddaughter Amy Fialho (John), and great grandchildren Gabriel and Grace Fialho. She was known as Nea-san (big sister) to her extended family, including June Matsuo, Tsuto and Jean Ota, Mort and Marianne Fujii, Ben and Eileen Matsuo, all of Sacramento. She was also known as Auntie Bessie to numerous nieces and nephews throughout California and Washington. In celebration of Bessie's life, a Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 11, at 4:00 pm at the Sacramento Betsuin, 2401 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento.