Betty Yaeko (Matsuno) Lum (April 19,1937 – June 3, 2025)

Betty Lum, beloved wife of Henry and loving mom to their 3 daughters, passed away peacefully on June 3rd, at the age of 88.  Betty was known for her unwavering dedication to her family and friends. She greeted newcomers into her life with a big smile and a warm welcome. She found joy in her family and friends, and she will always be remembered with love.

Betty Lum was born on Maui Hawaii, on April 19, 1937 and graduated from Lahainaluna High School in 1955. After high school, she attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where she married her loving husband of almost 67 years.  She graduated with a BS in education in 1960, and after a short stint in Virginia, Betty and Henry moved to California in 1964, with their 3 young daughters.

She worked at Ruth Wood Nursery School for several years, then began her career at Stanford University as a Senior Research Specialist in the Government Documents Library, retiring in 2002, after 28 years of service and was loved by her co-workers, as evidenced by some of the comments sent to her upon her retirement:

• "You have made our lives fragrant with the cheerful colors of your personality and the quiet peace of your personality."

• "I will remember you to ALWAYS be devoted, concerned and polite, whatever the situation.  Your specialness so obviously comes from your heart and soul -- what a gift you have been to us!"

• "Your personal warmth, charm and nurturing character remains the most enduring aspect of your presence."

Betty will always be remembered for the warm welcome she extended to everyone she met.  She will be missed every day, though her memory will live on in the hearts of all of those who loved her.

She is survived by her husband, Henry; daughters Patty (Gemulla) Jamison (Steve), Deborah LaViale (Marc – predeceased), and Cathy Lum (Joe Pinter); 6 grandsons Chris Gemulla (and wife Maisie); Kevin Gemulla (and wife Tiffany), Trevor LaViale, Tyler LaViale, Dan Pinter, Brian Pinter; one great grandson (Steven); and one great granddaughter (her namesake Elizabeth Betty).  Betty will also be missed by their beloved dog Lia – Betty never left a restaurant without a takeout box for Lia!

Other survivors include her sister Alma Nagao (George); 2 nieces (Rae, Marci) and one nephew (Eric), along with their families. She was preceded in death by her parents Masato and Sadayo Matsuno; parents-in-law Henry and Mabel Lum, brothers-in-law John and Lenny, and sisters-in-law Marianne and Lorraine.

Betty didn't want a public memorial service since she wanted all of you to just remember all the good times that she had with each of you.