Samie Matsui, 87 died peacefully in her sleep on April 22, 2010.

Samie Matsui was born March 12, 1923, in Isleton, California. She graduated from University High School and was interned in Manzanar, where she met her husband Thomas Matsui and had her first born son Bruce Isamu.

After the end of WWII she moved to the Big Island of Hawaii where her children Suellyn Tayeko and Paulette Junko were born. She then returned to California.

Samie Matsui loved her crafts and taking care of young children. In addition to raising her own children and grandchildren she was a care giver for 75 children who affectionately called her "Auntie Samie". Everyone loved her cookies and blankets, bibs, booties, and crafts that she made for her family and the children she baby sat. She was a wonderful cook and collected "ono recipies" to try throughout her life. She will be missed greatly by her family and every one who knew her.

Samie, "Bachan", "Auntie Samie" is survived by her son Bruce Matsui and daughter in law Barbara, Suellyn Kambara and son in law Ken, Paullete Hassell and son in law David; and five grandchildren, Ashley, Brandon, Alison, Audrey, and Kory.


Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 30, 2010 2:00PM at Fukui Mortuary "Chapel in the Garden", 707 E. Temple St. Los Angeles, CA, with Rev. John Iwohara of Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and Rev. Nobuo Oda officiating.