Yoshi Matsumoto, a resident of Marília, São Paulo, Brazil, passed away on 6 April, one day before her 111th birthday, according to Prever Marília.
Matsumoto was born in Taminato (田港) in the village of Ōgimi, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, on 7 April 1914. Her parents were Fukutaro and Kame Maeda. She had five brothers and three older sisters. At the age of five, she moved to the Daitō Islands. Her father went first, followed by her mother, uncle, two siblings, and eventually, her. After completing her studies at the age of 16, she returned to her hometown of Taminato in Okinawa.
In 1933, she immigrated to Brazil. The family arrived in Santos, São Paulo, then moved to Lins, where the family lived for two years before relocating to Marília—where they would make their permanent home. She had five children: Paulo Toyoji , José Yassuho, Antônio Harutika, Mário Hironori, and Cristina Emico.
After the passing of her husband on 18 May 1951, she became more deeply involved in the Church. She was baptized into the Catholic faith on 8 December 1952, at the age of 38. She went on to raise and educate her five children—four of whom entered the seminary at the age of 12, and the youngest later became a missionary. From the time the Catholic Circle Estrela da Manhã was founded in 1958, she was one of its most dedicated and active members, playing a key role in strengthening the community.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Yoshi Matsumoto during this difficult time.
