Yoshie Matsutani

Yoshie Matsutani, 92, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2021. She had been in the good care of Royal Arch Masonic Home for almost 5-1/2 years following her cancer surgery in May 2015. Yoshie had a long and difficult battle to try to reclaim her health, but she remained courageous and strong-willed throughout, and can now rest in comfort without any further struggles.

Yoshie was born on January 2, 1929 in Vancouver, BC. She spent most of her childhood in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, with parents Zenya Soga and Chie Moriuchi, and her four siblings Kazue, Tom, Aiko and Yukie. At age 24, Yoshie returned to Vancouver to settle in Canada in 1953.

She was married to Hidehiro Matsutani, son of Inosuke Nakamura and Itono Matsutani, on January 21, 1956. They lived in Greenwood, BC, and had daughter, Grace and son Martin. In 1963, the family moved to Vancouver and ran a corner grocery store for 17 years.

Hidehiro passed in 1988, but as a widow, Yoshie remained socially active as a member of the Vancouver Buddhist Church, its Fujinkai group and Seniors’ Club. She enjoyed bowling, gateball, karaoke, and travelling, and was always willing to take your loose coins in the Japanese card game of Gaji. However, her true passion was always watching her children at the curling rink, and she was affectionately known as “Coach” at the Richmond and Marpole curling clubs.

Yoshie is survived by her brother, Tom (Hiroko) Soga; sisters Aiko (Hiroshi) Terashita, and Yukie (Tohoru) Kondo; children Grace (Gary), and Martin (Hiroko); and many nieces, nephews and their children.

Our family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to all who had filled Yoshie with such happiness, laughter and love throughout her remarkable life. Unfortunately, current covid restrictions permit only an intimate family service. Memories or last respects can be shared on this site, and in lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions are requested to be made to the Vancouver Buddhist Church, BC Cancer Association, or Royal Arch Masonic Home.