Kikuko Matsumoto, 95, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in Altadena, California.
Kiku was born on May 23, 1930, to parents Kaichi and Masayo Matsumoto. The family was interned in Gila, Arizona, during the war, then returned to Kensington Avenue in Pasadena. Right down the street was Pasadena Union Church, where Kiku taught Sunday School and sang in the choir.
After graduating from Occidental College in 1952, Kiku began working at Caltech in the Willis H. Booth Computing Center. During her 40-year career, Kiku served as deputy director of the Computing Center, overseeing teams that supported scientists’ work. She had a sharp aptitude for numbers and was well-respected by her colleagues. Her achievements at Caltech and JPL undoubtedly paved the way for other women to enter a male-dominated field.
Outside of work, Kiku lived a rich, independent life. She traveled all over the world, but returned several times to Scandinavia because she loved the flowers, food, and Finnish furniture and housewares that she collected.
At home, she enjoyed reading, watching sports, and caring for the many dogs and cats who were her trusty companions over the years. Every spring, she took great pride in the spectacular roses that bloomed in her front yard on Fox Ridge Drive.
Kiku was a longtime member of Pasadena Union Church, First Presbyterian Church of Altadena, and Pasadena Nikkei Seniors.
In 2018, she moved to Monte Cedro Senior Living Community in Altadena. She made many new friends there and received excellent care. The family is especially grateful for Kiku’s private caregivers, who lovingly cared for and supported her.
Kiku was preceded in death by her sister, Ayako Matsumoto. She is survived by close family, Michele, Paul, and Annie Kikuchi, as well as many cousins and friends.
Kiku was laid to rest alongside her sister, Aya, in a private burial service at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Japanese American National Museum, First Presbyterian Church of Altadena, or the Pasadena Humane Society in her memory.