The board and staff of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center posted the following tribute on Oct. 17.
On Oct. 11, 2025, JACCC lost a beloved board member, a true friend, and someone whose heart beat passionately for our community. We are heartbroken.
Nancy Matsui served on our board for over 29 years. She was loved and respected by all. Among the many things she did for the JACCC, Nancy devoted much time and energy to ensure the success of many of the JACCC’s fundraising events, reaching out and engaging others in the process.
Forever effervescent, Nancy was funny, fun-loving, and ready at any moment to take over a raffle drawing to pull in more ticket buyers. Who could say “no” to Nancy? We are forever grateful for her years of dedication and the effort she invested to support the community she loved.
We certainly will not forget the kindness and generosity she showed us in everything she did. With grace and a smile, she always made sure others were being well taken care of. We saw her caring nature in many big and small ways – a small gift, a birthday wish, a phone call. No one can forget her many kindnesses.
A “people person” to the core, she served as a mentor, a trusted col-league, a builder of relationships, and a magnanimous friend to so many. It was this generous spirit of hers that earned her so many beloved friends from all around.
Nancy retired after an illustrative 40-year career at American Airlines, last serving as national accounts manager, with responsibilities that included global marketing and community relations. She was an ambassador in the truest sense bridging our community to American Airlines for decades. Nancy also received many awards and accolades throughout her career.
Our hearts go out to Nancy’s family and we thank them for sharing her with us. Reflections and memories of Nancy bring us much joy and we hope your memories of her brings you comfort and a few chuckles as well. We miss her greatly.
Matsui, Torrance-born Sansei and resident of La Palma, passed away at the age of 73. Survivors include her husband, Glenn; sons, Eric and Ryan; sisters, Karen (David) Thompson and Ginny Suzuki.
Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m. at Orange County Buddhist Church, 909 S. Dale Ave., Anaheim. Dodgers, Lakers or aloha attire requested. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to one of the philanthropic organizations that she supported.