Celebrant Pam Meily Vetter


	Celebrating Life Everyone Has A Story...

Fumiko Matsuda was born to Yori and Tometaro Matsudo in Japan in 1929. She was the youngest child in the family, born after two sisters and two brothers. Her father was a doctor and very busy as the head of the household, while her mother was a stay-at-home mom. Raised in Japan, Fumiko had a traditional upbringing. She went through the traditional Japanese academic system and developed a true love of reading. She loved reading Japanese novels. At home, she was especially close with her mother and always spoke of their special relationship in glowing terms. She loved her mother and felt love in return. She learned so much from her mother as her mother had a great influence on her kind spirit in life. Fumiko also had great respect for her brothers and sisters.

After World War II, she met Da Young "Dail" Park, who was stationed overseas with the United States Navy. As he was studying the Japanese language, Dail served as an interpreter because he was fluent in both English and Korean. While he was visiting Japan after the war, he and Fumiko fell in love and became a couple. Although it was a difficult time in history, they really discovered each other, developed a unique relationship and shared a special bond. Their first son, Stephen, was born in Japan in 1952. Five years later, the family emigrated to the United States. Their second son, Harold, was born in Honolulu in 1957. By 1958, the Park family moved to the Los Angeles area. Dail worked as a realtor and was a caretaker for the City of Los Angeles, while Fumiko worked in the service industries. She was strict at times, but she was a wonderful mother who supported her husband and sons. Although she was small in stature, she was exceedingly strong. While the boys were in school, she was involved with their education and attended their school plays, events and gatherings. She also worked constantly to help support the family. Fumiko and Dail were very proud to see both of their sons graduate from high school. While Stephen pursued Junior College, Harold quickly gained a job with Pacific Bell. She was always proud of their accomplishments as she loved them very much and wanted the best for both of them.

Fumiko was very quiet and introspective in life. She enjoyed reading a lot of Japanese novels that reminded her of her Japanese heritage. She enjoyed getting away for private time with Dail, especially on road trips to the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. They were pleased in taking those special trips together. Conservative in her spending, Fumiko only played the nickel slot machines, but she once hit a big prize in excess of $900. She was so excited when all of the lights flashed on the machine to announce her win. Fumiko and Dail always came home happy from those trips.

She was most proud of her United States Citizenship, which she earned on December 9th, 1999. Her husband, Dail, had passed away a few months before that special day, in July of 1999. Although he didn't get to see the moment, he would have been proud of her Citizenship because they were both working toward it for five years. She was diligent and steadfast in pursuing her U.S. Citizenship by studying, taking classes and reapplying when paperwork was misplaced. In reaching her goals, she inspired others to stay true to their dreams.

She had many favorites in life. She loved vegetables and she enjoyed making Japanese dishes. She especially enjoyed eating with Stephen at Hometown Buffet because of the huge salad bar and the variety offered in so many vegetables. Her favorite beverages were green tea and rose water. Her favorite color was pink. She liked to take walks through Downtown Los Angeles when she could. While she didn't want to bother people, she also wanted to reach out to them, as she liked doing things for others. In her personal life, she had a love of animals, especially cats. At one point, she owned seven cats. Her favorite cat was Jerriko, who lived to be more than 18-years-old. She also loved Stephen's last cat, Kuriko, and most recently his cat named Momoko.

Fumiko wanted to retain her independence as she lived in her own home until recently. In her final months, she moved in with Stephen. She had lost her mobility, but she could still speak. When Stephen came home from work she said, "I've been waiting for you. It's good to see you." The whole time she lived with Stephen, she was glad to be there, as they became very close friends. His greatest joy was making her breakfast. As he went to work early in the morning, he was up at 4 am to make her a special breakfast of poached eggs, a little bit of oatmeal, Japanese pickled vegetables, and a small amount of cheese or meat. On her last day at home, she told Stephen, "Good to see you. I love you." He said, "I love you, too." And, he hugged her. In her final moments, tears came to her eyes and she passed away peacefully as Stephen was holding her hand. Stephen will miss simply being with his mother because she was a good person and a beloved wife and mother. He believes one day they will be reunited.

As her family honors her wishes to be buried next to her husband, Dail, her favorite robe and favorite perfume, Bvlgari, will be by her side. Fumiko Park will best be remembered for being a loving, caring, quiet, humble person who took care of her husband and family. Her hope would be for everybody to be comfortable, live their life and continue on…

Fumiko was preceded in death by her husband Dail; her siblings; her parents Yori and Tometaro Matsuda and many friends. Fumiko is remembered by her son Stephen; son Harold and his wife Barbara; grandchildren Steven, Valerie, Michelle and Kelly; best friend Motoko; friends and hairdressers Ryoko and Kayoko; and Mr. and Mrs. Miyateke.

May Fumiko rest in peace…