Celestae’ Elan Taitano (Gibbons) July 6, 1974 July 18, 2016 Celestae’s life was unexpectedly and tragically cut short in Lihue, Kauai, at the age of 42, the evening of July 18. She left behind her precious 10- year-old daughter Pierce
Celestae’ Elan Taitano (Gibbons)
July 6, 1974 July 18, 2016
Celestae’s life was unexpectedly and tragically cut short in Lihue, Kauai, at the age of 42, the evening of July 18.
She left behind her precious 10- year-old daughter Pierce and is also survived by her mother Darla Delane and her father William Taitano, along with many relatives on the Mainland.
Born in Oklahoma on July 6, 1974, she attended Putnam City North High School and spent the majority of her adult life in the Oklahoma City/Edmond area and a few short years on Kauai.
Throughout her years, she gracefully served this life as a proud and loving mother, dedicated daughter, loyal and caring friend, faithful in her belief in God, lover of her little dog, Zoey and a committed professional.
Celestae’ is survived by her daughter Pierce Gibbons. She cherished every moment spent with her young daughter, taking her to the beach, church, hula lessons and having mommy/ daughter time at the nail salon. Celestae’, Pierce and grandmother Darla, also fondly known as Mimi, lived together in Puhi, with their adorable dogs and beautiful birds. They enjoyed their neighbors, who were a significant part of their lives and faithful playmates of Pierce.
Pierce was the shining light of Celestae’s life. Grandfather Bill Taitano moved Pierce back home to Oklahoma, where she now resides with his daughter Brandie Bruce, her husband Eric and family. Grandma Mimi is a constant support for Pierce, having also moved back to Oklahoma.
Besides the tenderness with which she cherished every moment spent with Pierce, her mother and friends, her days were enriched through working as the Lihue Dental office coordinator for Dr. Terry Allen. She was a Certified Dental Assistant with over 20 years of experience. Her knowledge in dentistry was invaluable and the patients consistently gave her 5-star reviews for putting them at ease and providing them with “awesome service.” She possessed the rare quality of being able to tackle any project tossed her way with confidence and success. In life she illustrated beauty and in death she has shown us strength and courage.
Celestae’s life was celebrated at the home of Dr. Terry and Marilyn Allen, with the Reverend Kahn Jade Battad presiding.
The family wishes to express gratitude to all of her family, extended family, many close friends and patients for their generous support.
A fund has been established to support Pierce and donations may be made at: https://www.youcaring.com/celestae-gibbons-604791.
To the many whom have donated to Pierce and mourned the loss of dear Celestae’, a heartfelt mahalo!
Madeline ‘Tida’ Ornellas Yokoyama
Madeline “Tida” Ornellas Yokoyama, of Las Vegas, Nevada, died at Valley Hospital on Sept. 24 at the age of 73. Madeline was born on April 21, 1943, in Lihue, Kauai. Raised in Kealia and Anahola, Madeline was an accomplished musician and entertainer who traveled the world sharing the Aloha Spirit through her gift of music.
Madeline is predeceased by husband, Robert Y. Yokoyama, father, John “Cowboy” Ornellas, mother, Harriet Kanoelani Kaui Ornellas, brother, John Ornellas, Jr., sister, Beverly Ann Valpoon, and brother-in-law, Lincoln Takenaka, Jr.
She is survived by three stepchildren: Wade (Allison) Yokoyama, Linda Fujimori and Naomi (John) Baldado; grandchildren, Karlie, Cole and Noah; two sisters: Marleen (Mathew) Kaluahine and Evelyn Takenaka; five brothers: Raymond (Valerie) Ornellas, Michael (Nora) Ornellas, Stanley “Haole Boy” (Carolyn) Ornellas, James “Kimo” (Bernie) Ornellas and George Ornellas; sister-in-law, Flora Ornellas and brother-in-law, Amil “Tinoa” Valpoon Jr. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Friends and family may call at the Kapaa Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 8:30 a.m. with services commencing at 10 a.m. Internment will take place at a later date.
Benjamin Yoshiichi Okumura
Benjamin Yoshiichi Okumura, 80, of Honolulu, died Oct. 18, 2016. He was born in Koloa, Kauai, and retired from Panasonic Company as a West Region Manager.
He is survived by son David Okumura, daughters Patricia (Neal) Okouchi and Gayle (Gary) Burgher, and sister Lenora (Clarence) Yagi, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at Hosoi Garden Mortuary followed by a Celebration of Life at 5 p.m. Casual attire.
FD: Hosoi Garden Mortuary/Glenn Shimabukuro
Michael Martin McCabe
Michael Martin McCabe passed away on Oct. 21, 2016, at the age of 72.
He was born on Dec. 31, 1943, in Santa Monica, CA. He was a certified master paint mixer and color specialist.
He is preceded in death by his wife Corinne McCabe; father, Charles E. McCabe Jr.; mother, Nell McCabe; brother; Charles McCabe.
He is survived by his step-son Mark Armfield of Malibu, CA, step-daughters, Kristine Randal of Mariposa, CA, Juliana Bourget of Seattle, WA and Lori Padder of Pacific Palisades, CA.
Private services were held at home on Oct. 27, 2016.
Mike was the only certified master paint mixer and color specialist on Kauai and took great pride in his work.
Mike was also fiercely proud of his Irish heritage. He enjoyed his home life, daily feeding the birds, completing complex jigsaw puzzles, reading voraciously and faithfully watching, along with his late wife Corinne, the games of his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers on television.
Described as “gruff” by a lifelong friend, Mike was nonetheless big-hearted and, the friend added, “would drop anything and everything to help someone in need.”
Dorothy Sueno Brierley
Dorothy Sueno Brierley of Lawai, Hawaii, was born on Dec. 19, 1929. She passed away on Oct. 20, 2016, in Lawai at the age of 86.
She is preceded in death by William Bernard Brierley, daughter, Marla Brierley and parents, Rikizo and Hanayo Sugawa; and survived by her daughter, Nanette Lani Brierley of Lawai; three grandchildren; three great-grand- children; brother, Richard Sugawa of Lawai; and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at the Koloa Union Church. Visitation will be from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. with services beginning at 2:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Koloa Union Church. Casual attire is suggested.
Arrangements were handled by Garden Island Mortuary, Ltd.
