Mickey Asakawa
Thelma “Mickey” Matthews Asakawa was born on February 20, 1940, in Somerville, New Jersey, to Lester Charles Matthews and Alice Mae Cochrane. She passed away on April 22, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and devoted care for others.
Mickey was raised and educated in New Jersey, graduating from Princeton High School. She went on to pursue a career in healthcare, earning a degree in dental hygiene from CUNY and later a Bachelor of Science degree from Columbia University.
She met the love of her life, John Asakawa, and in February 1972 they began their life together in New York City, where she worked as a dental hygienist. The couple later moved to Tokyo, Japan, where they spent over a decade. While in Japan, Mickey welcomed her beloved daughter, Mie, on Christmas Day in 1979.
In 1988, the family returned to the United States and settled in Westfield, New Jersey. Mickey remained committed to lifelong learning, returning to school to study nursing. However, she ultimately shifted her path and changed her major to psychology.
Mickey dedicated her life to helping others. She volunteered extensively at St. Mark’s Clinic in New York City, participated actively in her daughter’s school community, including the PTA and library, and assisted with college counseling. She was also deeply involved for 25 years with Watchung Stables. Her love for animals was evident in her rescue and care of many cats, ensuring they were spayed and given safe homes. She was equally devoted to caring for loved ones, including her brother during his battle with cancer, her older cousin Ed, her dear friend Bob, and her oldest brother, Lester.
A proud “Jersey girl,” Mickey was reluctant to leave New Jersey, but in 2014 she and John moved to Vero Beach, Florida, to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. She found joy in gardening, collecting roosters and cookbooks, antiques, and all things Japanese. She also enjoyed Pilates and, above all, treasured time spent with her family.
Mickey was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John, in January 2021, and her brother, Lester Matthews, in October 2025. She is survived by her daughter, Mie (Byron) Powell, and her cherished grandchildren, Naomi and Noah, all of Vero Beach, Florida; her brothers William (Susan) and Richard (Delia); and many nieces and nephews, including family in Japan and their children.
In her later years, Mickey found love again with Bobby Harp of Vero Beach. The two became engaged on Christmas Day 2024. Even as she bravely faced stage 4 cancer, Bobby remained steadfastly by her side. Mickey fought courageously, continuing treatment with determination and strength, motivated by her deep love for him and her family.
Mickey was a true angel on earth and will be remembered for her extraordinary kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She gave selflessly to others and would give whatever she had to help those in need. Her generosity knew no limits.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Raining Cats Rescue, Inc in Vero Beach, FL. (https://rainingcatsrescue.org)
