Kyung Ran Masterson's Obituary
Kyung Ran (Iris) MastersonApril 15, 1928 – August 18, 2018Resident of San JoseKyung Ran (Iris) Masterson passed away suddenly on August 18. Her husband Robert J. Masterson pre-deceased her.She is survived by daughters Maria Dickerson (Los Altos) and Susan Masterson (San Jose) and grandsons Timothy and Matthew Dickerson (Los Altos). Iris is also survived by two brothers and two sisters, and many nephews and nieces.Iris met and married Robert Masterson in Seoul, South Korea in 1955. She immigrated to the U.S. with her husband and settled in New York. After the birth of their daughter Maria, Iris enrolled in a Citizenship and English class. When the family moved to Indiana, Iris obtained her US naturalized citizenship, an accomplishment that was a source of great pride. Following the birth of their daughter Susan, the family moved to California. Starting with nothing, Iris managed to save $500, to the amazement of her husband, enough for a down payment on their first home.Iris Masterson endured the Great Depression and Japanese occupation of South Korea during her childhood. From humble beginnings she became a remarkable woman, mother, and grandmother. Lacking the opportunity for a formal secondary education, nonetheless she excelled at everything she touched. She was self-taught in sewing, landscape design, cooking, and finances. She was an independent spirit who conducted herself with dignity and grace.As the first in her family to come to the U.S., Iris paved the way for her many brothers and sisters to follow. She opened her home to her friends and family throughout her life. Iris was a role model and source of inspiration to her family. She was truly the “rock” of her family and will be deeply missed by all.The family wishes to thank her caregivers Rosemary and Rebecca, without whom Iris would not have been able to live happily in her home.Friends may call from 4-7 pm on Friday, August 31 at Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary, 96 El Camino Real West, Mountain View. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo. Donations in Iris’ memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org.
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