Mary Yuriko Matayoshi

Mary (Fujioka) Matayoshi passed away on March 15, 2025 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Born in Hilo, Hawaii on May 27, 1930 to Dr. Bumpachi and Mrs. Kosei Fujioka, she attended Hilo Standard School, Hilo Intermediate School, Hilo High School, and graduated from Grinnell College (BA) and the University of Hawaii (MA in Education Administration).

Mary’s career spanned 45 years: seven years of teaching in public schools; seven years of Peace Corps administration and training primarily for the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia; 15 years in creating the fourth academic division at the University of Hawaii at Hilo – the Center for Continuing Education and Community Service, serving as its director; eight years heading Governor Cayetano’s Office of Volunteer Services followed by eight years leading the non-profit Volunteer Resource Center of Hawaii.

Mary served on numerous nonprofit boards over the years including Read to Me International, the National Public Broadcasting Service and the Hawaii Public Broadcasting Authority, Na Leo ‘O Hawaii, TEMARI, America’s Promise Hawaii; Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society, as well as actively participating in community programs including the Micronesian Community Network, the Committee on Aging at the City & County of Honolulu, the Casey Community Resource Council, Ronald McDonald House Charities-Hawaii, Tokai University, and coordinator for the docents program at Washington Place. She is predeceased by her husband, Herbert Matayoshi, who served as Big Island Mayor for 10 years, 1974 - 1984. Mary assisted him in many community events during his tenure.

Mary received numerous accolades over the years, including the Emperor of Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, University of Hawaii Hilo Distinguished Service award, Forever Young Award from the City & County of Honolulu, Lifetime Award from the Network of Volunteer Leaders, and Outstanding Professional Woman Award.

Mary is survived by her four children: Jerold (Paula Devens); Ronald (Coralie Chun); Eric (Aleza Call); and Kathryn (Tod Tanaka), 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.