The Family of Liza Matias-Scammahorn

Hello, my name is Joni Kono, I’m a close friend of the Scammahorn Family. With a heavy heart, I share the news that Liza Matias-Scammahorn had a sudden brain aneurysm on New Year's Day. Liza was rushed to Los Alamitos Hospital but her health took a serious turn for the worse and she never recovered. On Jan. 4, 2023, Liza went into cardiac arrest, her loving husband, Dean, and their three children at her bedside; she passed away at 11:32am.

The Matias and Scammahorn Family have been active and valued members of the Cerritos community for more than 40 years. Liza graduated from Cerritos High School and married the boy next door. She worked tirelessly as a registered dietitian for the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District and most recently for the Orange County Department of Public Health. She advocated to promote and support public health efforts to make breastfeeding the normal method of infant feeding and nutrition.

Liza is survived by her dear husband and best friend, Dean Scammahorn. Dean, an artist, worked on the popular show the “Simpsons”. Dean personally spent many years as a basketball coach for all of his children's teams. He's known by many in the Japanese American community for his warm personality and sportsmanship. Dean carries on with his three wonderful children. Matthew, the eldest, age 22, is a student at UCI Law School. Ryan, age 19, a second-year undergraduate at Cal State Fullerton, who is also the Head Boys JV Basketball Coach at Cerritos High School. Mom's treasure, Miya, age 15, is a bright sophomore at Cerritos High School playing on the Girls JV Basketball Team. Liza and Dean were extremely proud of their three shining stars.

Liza Scammahorn was such a special person. I think anyone who knew her would say that she was one of the most thoughtful and caring people on earth. She put everyone she cared about before herself. She was always worried about her family and friends and would do anything she could to help. She was the most loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend to all of us.

"Dearest Liza, you have always been an angel on earth, we will miss your loving, caring, generous ways. Rest in peace. We love you forever."

It is my honor, as a friend of the beautiful Scammahorn Family, to ask for your contribution to this Go Fund Me. All proceeds will go towards funeral expenses, and Matthew, Ryan, and Miya's future needs. All gifts are appreciated. Thank you.