Joan Hiro Matsune
February 20, 1938 - March 15, 2026
Joan Hiro Matsune passed away on March 15, 2026 at her home in Stockton, California. Born on February 20, 1938 to John Masao and Ruth Toshiye Nakawatase, Joan lived her entire life in Stockton with detours at the Rohwer, Arkansas Relocation Center from 1942 to 1945 and San Jose State University from 1955 to 1959.
A good student from an early age, she graduated from Stockton College in 1955 and San Jose State University in 1959 where she prepared for a career in education. She went on to teach first or second grade for 35 years in the Stockton Unified School District, always striving to have an impact on her students.
She was a lifetime devoted member of Calvary Church where she taught Sunday school, helped run the Sunday school program and later served as an elder.
In 1961, she married her beloved husband Lester Matsune and they shared a 40 year marriage until his passing in 2001.
Joan was known for her diligence, patience, perseverance and kindness. She was always there to provide company and comfort to her family and friends. But her greatest joy was being a grandmother to her three grandchildren, who were truly the light of her life.
She leaves behind her sons Lance Matsune (Karol) and Jon Matsune, grandchildren Kara Matsune, Kelsey Matsune (Preston), Matthew Matsune, and sisters Marsha Sayo Nakawatase and Kimi Diane Oliveira (Ed). Joan was proceeded in death by her husband Lester Matsune and her brother Wayne Susumu Nakawatase.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service to celebrate her life is scheduled for 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Calvary Church, 2343 Country Club Blvd., Stockton, CA 95204.
Donations may be made in Joan’s name to the Hospice of San Joaquin, 3888 Pacific Ave., Stockton, CA., 95204.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Matsune family.
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