Although Matsunaga gave birth to only a son, Francisco “Minoru” Matsunaga, she also reared a daughter, Board of Education member Lucia Blanco-Maratita. Minory passed away in 1996.
Blanco-Maratita said Matsunaga raised her six grandchildren with Minoru: Thomas, George, Ray, Elizabeth, Francis and Devine Matsunaga.
Many locals remember her as a hairstylist back in the day. 72-year-old Manuela Cepeda, a Kagman resident, said she used to live in Chalan Kanoa and would visit Matsunaga to get her hair fixed.
Matsunaga was also known to be very caring and loving to her family. Blanco-Maratita said her mom enjoyed the company of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Blanco-Maratita said although they may have given her many challenges while raising them, she always forgave them and loved them unconditionally.
Many knew her for her passion for nature. Blanco-Maratita said her mother loved her garden and would spend Saturday mornings helping with gardening projects.
“She had a green thumb and seemed to be at peace whenever I watched her water the plants in the early morning when the dew was still on the grass,” she said. “Seeing my mom with her plants and hearing the rooster crow were the usual sights and sounds of early Saturday mornings for me.”
Matsunaga’s granddaughter, Winona Rebekah Blanco Maratita, daughter of Blanco-Maratita, told Variety: “My fondest memory of her is that she always had a smile on her face. No matter the time of day or where she was, whenever I saw her, she always was smiling. Every time I visited her, she would always give me a kiss and a hug along with that beautiful smile.”
Maratita said her grandmother taught her a very important lesson that will stick with her forever.
“Through the way she raised my mom, she taught me that you always have to work hard to get what you want,” Maratita said.
“A lot of things do not come easily. My mom had a tough childhood and had to take care of the whole family. Nan Beck taught her to be responsible and then taught me to be just as responsible as they both were,” Maratita added.
“My mom will be missed very much,” said Blanco-Maratita, adding that her mother taught them a lot of important lessons in life.
The Matsunaga family is holding a 7 p.m. rosary every night at the Mount Carmel Cathedral. Funeral services will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, with Mass at 10 a.m. followed by interment at the Chalan Kanoa cemetery.
