Barbara Jean Mato Jaeger

Barbara Jean Mato-Jaeger 88 yrs old, passed peacefully on June 16, 2023 in Torrance, California. Bobbi ( what everyone called her ) was born to her parents George Correa Sr. and Peggy Correa on November 2, 1934 in Hilo, Hawaii. Bobbi was married to Vern Jaeger who passed in 2018. Bobbi leaves behind her most TREASURED and VALUED reasons for living, her 3 children Guy, Dru, and Traci.

She had an older brother (who recently passed ) George Correa Jr., wife Mary Jane Correa, and a younger brother Leroy Correa who now lives in Murrieta, California with his wife Gussie Correa, Bobbi’s niece Kim ( Angel, what Bobbi called her, for many reasons ) and her husband Rudy Woody are who cares for them lovingly. Bobbi ADORED her brothers.

Bobbi was extremely proud to have been born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii. She loved her beautiful culture and life style of Hawaii, enough to have opened a successful Hawaiian boutique named after her daughter “KUUIPO” FASHIONS (sweetheart). There, is where Bobbi flourished all her business endeavors. Manufacturing under her own label, Mens aloha shirts, T-shirts, Moo-Moo’s, Bikinis, Slippers, and Shorts, she had many other business endeavors, the 70’s Stamped leather purses, Love is…( she would personalize) watches , clocks, she also designed and manufactured a VASE that lays on the table to look like a real “LEI” when flowers are added to it. Bobbi also manufactured a very unique one of kind synthetic Lei and shipped all her merchandise to Hawaii. She was truly an entrepreneur and loved creating the ALOHA SPIRIT and BEAUTY everywhere for everyone to enjoy. She was gorgeous as a young girl and more beautiful as she aged, energetic with a personality that everyone loved being around. Bobbi always had a smile on her face that you would never forget. You couldn't help but love her. Bobbi’s kindness and thoughtfulness was unmeasurable. She LOVED and CHERISHED her family (Ohana) and friends. Never forgot your birthday with a card in the mail.

Bobbi came to California after graduating from Hilo High School to attend her cousin Nalani’s wedding. Then, is when she met Hajime Mato, who was also from Hilo, Hawaii, in Los Angeles. She was suppose to have returned back to Hawaii, but her plans changed and decided to stay in Los Angeles. Bobbi attended College, was a Shoe model ( size 4.5 ) was an extra in the movie “ Around the world in 80 days”, worked at Kay Jewelers downtown. Bobbi married Haji, then went on to have ( her pride and Joy) 3 children Guy, Dru and Tracy. They made their home in in Los Angeles, then ended up in Gardena where they raised their kids happily. Gardena seemed like Hawaii at the time to them. A lot of people from Hawaii made Gardena their home too, so it felt comfortable for them. They were happy for 22 years.

Bobbi started a girls club at the YMCA and called them “The Lima Kokuas” ( helping hands ) her main reason for this club was for young girls to learn to help other communities less fortunate. Her club raised money by doing car washes, bake sales, and many other types of fund raisers. Her club was much like the Girl Scouts but Hawaiian Style !! Bobbi loved teaching young kids ( besides her own ) how to be kind, honest, loving, and thoughtful of others. Spreading her love was all she knew. Countless lives were changed knowing her.

After Bobbi and Haji separated they remained best of friends, until Haji’s passing, which was very hard on her. He was a “GREAT MAN” she would always say. She missed him dearly.
Bobbi then met Vern Jaeger and were together for 45 years. They lived in Torrance California, the Riviera Village area. They both did a lot of traveling the world with close friends. Bobbi’s favorite trip was their 27 day trip to AFRICA. She says “ You must not miss seeing AFRICA”. she loved giving then tribal children gifts from the USA, and of course the ELEPHANTS were her top of the list. Bobbi and Vern enjoyed entertaining in their home where the view from their house was incredible. Many celebrations and parties were held on their deck of their home. One of her favorite parties was Halloween she’d love putting all the pumpkins lit on the deck so everyone could enjoy them from the streets below.

Overall, Bobbi was a WARRIOR she was the strongest person, with the biggest WILL TO SURVIVE and live throughout many battles she faced. Never to complain, always kept her beautiful smile on her face. Her strength and courage was incredible. Bobbi’s medical problems started when she had a collapsed lung and was in the hospital for 22 days, Many years later she was faced with “Breast Cancer” and fought it successfully without radiation or chemo therapy, she was a WARRIOR !!! Next she battled “Blocked Coronary Artery” needing 2 stents, it was a Success!! In 2006 Bobbi was diagnosed with “Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis” (harding of the lungs) The Dr. informed us that their was nothing that could help her with this condition, typically when diagnosed, most commonly people live approx. 2 years. As a family decision they did not accept that diagnosis, and went on to find a hospital that would consider doing a Lung Transplant for her. Bobbi went through many tests with several different hospitals only to be told the same that she was “over the age” acceptable for a lung transplant in Los Angeles County. Explaining to the family that it is a very difficult surgery to get through not only that, but the recuperation takes a village, that certainly didn't scare her family. In 2008, Bobbi’s family decided to take a chance at Cedar Sinai Medical Hospital in Beverly Hills California. There is where they were given the approval to put Bobbi on the transplant list. At this time, Bobbi was near the end of her life with not much breathing capacity left in her lungs. 2 weeks after the approval, Bobbi and her family got the phone call that they had a MATCH !!!! quickly they got Bobbi to Cedar Sinai with the Lung Transplant Team awaiting for her at the door. On December 23, 2008, Bobbi was given an anonymous donor Lung Transplant !!!!

Bobbi and her family were more than thankful than words could say. This day was a special day to the family for this and also it being Bobbi’s mothers Birthday !!! In some ways they believe it was a gift from her mother.

Miraculously, Bobbi survived many close calls after her successful Lung Transplant. She amazed all of her family and friends several times, but always pulled through again and again.

Bobbi loved all her doctors, nurses, and physical therapist, especially one in particular, his name is Eloka, he was the first person who walked Bobbi after her Lung Transplant …. Her first words to us was “ALOHA” as she walked without oxygen connected to her … What a blessing and truly a miracle watching this moment. Bobbi’s doctors, nurses, and entire Transplant Team ADORED her. They certainly treated her exceptionally special, not knowing at the beginning of her transplant that she would live 15 years beyond the expected 3-5 years, Again WARRIOR !!! LIVE STRONG!!! LOVE LIFE !!! Those years weren’t always easy , though she would push through many issues, NEVER TO COMPLAIN and always smiling. Bobbi always reminded her loved ones, that its our lord Jesus Christ who gives her the strength and courage everyday. Thankful and extremely grateful she was. Bobbi’s lung was donated by an anonymous donor, whom she gave thanks to the family every night in her prayers.


Bobbi leaves a LEGACY. One that says, love one another, be kind, family is first, respect others, help those who are in need, give anonymously, teach with actions, be positive, and LAUGH !!!

Bobbi leaves behind so many people, friends and family. She was blessed with the most caring family who was always by her side throughout all her 20 hospital stays. Especially, during the last 15 years. Besides her wonderful children who took her to all of her doctor appts and made sure thru all surgeries, that she would never be alone. Their were so many others that helped Bobbi, and who made a huge difference in her care. Just to name a few who were so instrumental. Nalani & Jesse were there from the very beginning and helped so much with everything that is too long to list. George Duran, you gave your caring Love, Compassion, Time & tireless attention to what ever it was that was needed for Bobbi. Things that will never be forgotten. Of course Dru's wife Jane was always there to help, and bring blessings & prayers. William Avila and his mother Maria-Elena, cared for Bobbi without hesitation and so much Love. William was truly a blessing to Bobbi and NEVER to be forgotten for his love for Bobbi. Another special person to Bobbi during her last 5 years when living with Traci was Susan Ramos her Caregiver, Companion, and quickly to be, her close friend. She took care of Bobbi as if it was her own mother (says Susan) Susan is part of Bobbi’s family forever and ever THANKFUL for all she did for Bobbi !!!

Bobbi also leaves behind a little dog named RED who was given to her from Dylan Payette as a gift as a Service Dog for her. It was love at first sight for Bobbi and RED. Red never left her side so Bobbi had a buddy who followed her everywhere and gave her attention always. Instinctively, as a Service Dog Red took care of Bobbi’s love for dogs. Red still looks for Bobbi and sleeps in her room. Forever thankful to Dylan for giving Bobbi such a precious gift that gave her so much comfort and pure happiness.
Bobbi’s final diagnosis that sadly took her away from us was 4 Mini Strokes to the brain, though she survived another 6 months. Drs were once again shocked at her perseverance to live.

Bobbi leaves 3 beautiful Grandchildren Dana 21, Alex17, and Bobby 16 who she CHERISHED.

Bobbi’s favorite saying is “ I LOVE YOU MORE “
When you see a BUTTERFLY….Think of Bobbi, she is with you, so smile and know that she is Free and in heaven as your angel !!!

A celebration of life will be at:

Green Hills Chapel
27501 S. Western avenue
Rancho Palos Verdes
September 16th @ 11:30 am service
Butterfly Release
Immediately following Luncheon @ Ken Nakaoka Community Center
1670 W. 162nd Street
Gardena

Attire: Casual Hawaiian
Please bring your fondest memory of Bobbi to share at luncheon

greenhillsla.com
Barbara Jean Mato Jaeger

In lieu of flowers, please give donations to:
Cedars Sinai Lung Transplant
Cedars Sinai Organ Donate
Cedars Sinai Breast Cancer
Cedars Sinai Heart Association
https://support.cedars-sinai.edu/give/170230/#!/donation/checkout