Matsuno Ito

Mats was born May 13, 1929 in Littleton CO, to parents Torimatsu and Ume Ito. She was the second youngest of 5 children, four girls and one boy, and is survived by four generations of nieces and nephews.

Mats spent her career working at Band-It Manufacturing in Denver CO, but her true passion was bowling.

Mats' bowling career spanned more than 50 years and began in the Simpson United Methodist Church League in 1950. She quickly became interested in tournament competition and earned her first Colorado Women's Bowling Association title in 1953. Mats excelled in both team and individual competitions, winning numerous titles locally and nationally.

Her career highs of a 276 game, a 692 series and a best season average of 188, earned her induction into the Denver Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1981 for "Superior Performance."

In 1993, Mats was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame, having been recognized in the category of "Merit of Excellence".

Mats was also recognized nationally, having been inducted into the Japanese American National Bowling Association in 1998.

An added benefit of bowling tournaments was the fact they afforded Mats the opportunity to travel. She was a regular participant in tournaments throughout the midwest and western United States, including stops in Los Angeles, Seattle, St. Louis and Denver; along with one of her favorite stops…Sam's Town in Las Vegas.

Mats was an independent woman. She lived her life the way she wanted to live and enjoyed hearing stories and talking about friends and family. She was an avid sports fan, who loved watching all the local sports teams. Mats was especially fond of baseball, and her summer days were usually planned around Rockies TV broadcasts.

Her love of sports manifested itself in a daily reading of the newspaper - a lost habit today - but one that provided a link to fellow sports fans,regardless of team. It was not uncommon for Mats to see an article that reminded her of a family member or friend, and for her to cut it out and pass it to them the next time they met.

She befriended a fellow Sunny Acres resident, who had played professional baseball in the minor leagues. His stories about baseball and his playing days were always a highlight and added to her connection with the game of baseball.

The common bond formed through sports provided a social connection for Mats and she relished games and competitions. Mats - like all of us - would occasionally get upset because of how “her” team played,but she took pride in knowing and avidly following her teams, win or lose.

Mats was also a committed walker. She walked well into her super senior years, and walked her floor when it was too cold outside to "get her steps in!" She continued this routine until a fall late in her life restricted her mobility, and it is very likely this walking habit contributed to her longevity.

A familiar face at most Fukuma family functions, as well as in the dining hall and during game sessions at Sunny Acres, she enjoyed interacting with everyone . As she got older, she particularly liked watching her great and great great nieces play and grow, and always had a smile when they visited.

Mats lived a long life...and lived the way she wanted. No regrets.

A private family service is being held April 11, 2026 to honor Mats’ life.

Auntie, we miss you and remember you fondly and with love.

In lieu of flowers, on-line donations may be made to the BloomThrive Flourish Foundation via its website: bloomhealthcare.com

Bloom was instrumental in helping Mats live independently throughout the last two years of her life. We appreciate, acknowledge and thank all involved for providing her care.