Obituaries for Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Yukie-Lynn Nalani DeSilva
Yukie-Lynn Nalani DeSilva
Yukie-Lynn Nalani DeSilva of Kapa’a passed away at Queen’s Medical Center on Jan. 26, 2019, at the age of 48. Born on Dec. 7, 1970, she was an Advertising Sales Assistant for The Garden Island Newspaper and also an active Crossfitter at Kaua’i CrossFit.
She is preceded in death by her father, Yukio Higashi. She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Kevin DeSilva; daughter, Moana (Chris) Baltazar; son, Dustyn (Michaela Manago) DeSilva; hanai son, Kalani Kahaunaele; mother, Olinda Higashi, two sisters, Maile (Jonah) Cummings and Anolani (Kelo Rivera) Higashi, five brothers, Gordon (Danice) Higashi; Alvin (Deborah) Higashi, Dean (Mel) Higashi; Blaine Kaneholani and Kenny (Kana Kaohi) Meatoga; In-Laws, Wayne and Rita DeSilva; brother-in-law, Travis (Lisa) DeSilva; and grandchildren, Cijay, Cyris, Christyn and Chloey Baltazar. She was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Alan and Shannon DeSilva and sister-n-law, Lynette Meatoga.
A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Anahola Beach Park. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. where services are to follow.
Wesley W. Decker
Wesley W. Decker of Lihue, left us peacefully on Feb. 5, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Born on Aug. 23, 1924, in Winsted Connecticut, he was a retired air traffic controller for the PMRF Nasal Base in Mana, served in the Navy, traveled the world for over 30 years and lived a long full life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Milo Decker and Mary Hanauer; his loving, Wife Rosalina “Sally” Decker and great-grandson Kaumakani Kalama-Ventar.
He is survived by his sons, Daniel Decker of Lihue, Warren Smith of Alaska; daughter, Laura (Greg) Hammond of Arizona; seven grandchildren, Serenity Kalama, Kayla-Anne Goo, Kegan Goo, Dynielle Decker, Dreyden Decker, Preston Decker and Kevin Fisher; sister, Marge (Henry) Fortier of Waterbury CT and great-granddaughter, Amilea-Rose Kalama-Ventar.
A Celebration of his Life with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at 10 a.m. at Lihue Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at the church.
The family requests casual/aloha attire and flowers are welcome.
Kimo Palama
Kimo Palama of Kalaheo, died on Feb. 15, 2019, at Straub Medical Center on Oahu at the age of 54. Born on July 11, 1964, in Waimea, he was a machine operator for Goodfellow Brothers Inc.
He was preceded in death by parents, Tommy and Patsy Palama; brother, Kaleo Palam, and sister, Tanya Palama.
He is survived by his son, Koa Palama; daughters, Keani Palama (Kyle DeLima), Reign Palama (Laule’a Smythe); brothers, Lance Palama, Kawila (Desiree) Palama, Keola (Megan) Palama; sister, Tara Palama; nephews, Kui (Shanelle) Palama, Landon Palama, Keanu (Trisha) Palama, Kaweo Palama, Hekili Palama; nieces, Kulia Palama, Lacey Palama, Kahawaila’i Palama; great-nephews, Lawakua Palama, Keale Palama, Haku Palama; great-nieces, Anuhea Palama, Aleigha Palama, Lanela Palama; numerous cousins, aunties, uncles, horses and dogs.
Friends may visit with the family Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kalaheo. Visitation at 8:30 a.m. Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m. Celebration to follow at Hanapepe Soccer Field. The family suggests cowboy attire.
Sue Ann Conant Littlejohn
Sue Ann Conant Littlejohn, 91, of Volcano, passed away on Feb. 5, 2019, at home. Born in Hanalei, on Oct. 23, 1927, she was a retired associate of the Hawaii Heart Association, and was involved in Alu Like program in Pahoa, and the Red Hat Society.
Survived by son, Charles T. Littlejohn; daughters, Mililani Bair, Lori Lei Wishon, 6 grandchildren, 4 hanai grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and 1 grandnephew.
A celebration of life to be held on Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m. at The Village Church Volcano Assembly of God: 19-4276 Wright Rd. Volcano, HI 96785.
Ballard Family Mortuary Hilo assisted the family with arrangements.
Isidro and Esther Cecelia Malia Kamalu Kaleiohi Pezario
Isidro “Vic” Pezario, 87, passed away on Feb. 5, and his wife of 66 years, Esther Kaleiohi Pezario, 85, passed away on Feb. 12, 2019, of Anahola, at Wilcox Memorial hospital.
Both are survived by their daughters, Charmagne (Alvin) Gushiken, Mollie Lowery, Lisa (Danny Kiilau) Pezario of Anahola; sons, Blaine (Marlene) Pezario of Henderson, NV; Don (Nicole) Pezario of Kapaa, Anthony Pezario of Anahola, Edwin Pezario of Oahu; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister, Elaine Fernandes; sister-in-law, Jane Kinzie of Anahola; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Celebration of their life will be held on March 8, 2019, at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary in Koloa. Viewing at 5 p.m. with services at 7 p.m. Final viewing on March 9, 2019, at 10 to 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens. Casual attire and flowers are welcome.
Kauai Borthwick Mortuary assisted the Pezario Ohana with arrangements.
Juliet Leilani Kanoa Aiu
June 1, 1927 — Feb. 12, 2019
Juliet was born in Kekaha, Kauai. She passed away on Feb. 12, 2019, on Oahu at the age of 91.
She lived her entire life on Kauai.
She retired as Kauai’s Project Manager of Hawaiian Home Lands and also as a Commissioner for the State Department of Transportation. She was the President of `Ahahui Ka`ahumanu Society for eighteen years. She was also the President of the Prince Kuhio Festivals and Holoku Balls.
She was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Harold; parents, Joseph and Julia Vidinha Kanoa; siblings, Maurice, Buddy, Ellen Young, Larry Ching and Mabel Huddy.
Juliet is survived by her children, Bob (Jocelyn), Joe, Wendy, Tom and LuAnn “Tootie” (Jennifer Ching); her grandchildren, Jodi (Phil) Johnson, Justin (Danielle) Aiu, Tracy (Nate) Pellazar, Aaron (Marci) Aiu, Carly Aiu, Micah Aiu, Jesse Avila, Malia (Kona) Kuailani and Michaela Tapia, and sixteen great-grandchildren. Also survived by sister, Lorraine Like and hanai-children, Jerry Nakasone, Charn Hall and Lorna Nishimitsu.
Services to be held on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at St. Catherine’s Church in Kapaa, Kauai. Viewing from 8 to 11 a.m., Mass at 11 a.m.
Private burial to be held at a later date at St. Catherine’s Cemetery.
Hope Grace Kumie Simao
Hope Grace Kumie Simao, 10, of Kalaheo, passed away at her home in Kalaheo, on Feb. 22, 2019. Born on March 17, 2008, in Punahou, Oahu.
She is preceded in death by her great grandparents, Manuel (Kumie) Simao, Mary Duque, Thomas Tokioka and Gilbert (Dorothy) Barretto.
She is survived by her father, Jonathan Barretto; mother, Darrellyne (Jason Keahi) Caldeira, Jr.; brothers, Micah Barretto of Kapaa, Noah Simao of Kalaheo; sister, Jordan Simao of Kalaheo; grandparents, Darrel (Diana) Simao, Donna (John) Takiguchi, Patrick (Jenniffer) Barretto; great-grandparents, Grace Tokioka; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. where Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Family suggests casual attire.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Michael K. Chow
Michael K. Chow, 59, of Visalia, CA, peacefully passed on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, at Kaweah Delta Hospital. Michael was born on May 2, 1959, on Kauai. A hard worker, he was a long time employee of the Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort as a security guard and retired from the State Department of Transportation highway division as a heavy equipment operator.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Martha Chow and eldest sister, Lyndelle Makanani.
A gentle soul, Michael was fun, loveable and a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Malia Chow; daughter, Mishelle Kahilena Chow; son, Michael Waika Chow; God-children, Ekolu & Tristyn Rivera, his sister Darlene (George) Thronas, brothers Ken Chow & Clayton (Kim) Chow, nieces Sheri & Sharlene Thronas, Kendra & Kaylyn Makanani, nephews George Jr. Thronas, Tyson Thronas, Kahale Chow; brother-in-law, Tommy Makanani; in-laws, Wenny (Mary) Rivera, DeeAnn ( Tom) Slobig, Akala (Bryan) Aiwohi, Elua (Trish) Rivera; Hanai-family, John and Judy Crabtree of Visalia; tons of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of life and legacy will be held at the Lihue Veterans Center on Kauai, on March 22, 2019. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. with services to follow and luncheon to follow at the Veterans Center. There will be a burial to follow at the Lihue Cemetery.
Laura Lynn Schanon
Laura Lynn Schanon, 50, of Koloa, passed away on March 2, 2019, at her home. She was born on Feb. 15, 1969, in Amery, Wisconsin.
She is survived by her partner, Mark Barks of Lawai; parents, Michael J. Schanon and Karen J. Schanon of Wisconsin; brother, Tom Schanon of California; sisters, Michelle (Mike) Schanon Dovey of SC, Jill (Jasun) Schanon Macek of Wisconsin, Sara (Scott) Schanon Jensen of Wisconsin; nephews, Joseph, William, Leo, Henry, Jensen; nieces, Lucy and Estelle Macek, Erin and Charlotte Dovey; numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
Celebration of Laura’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at Kuku’ula Outrigger Canoe Club at small boat harbor Visitation from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Services will be at 5:30 p.m. Family suggests casual attire.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Hisako Nitta
Hisako Nitta, 101 years old of Kekaha, Kauai passed away on September 28, 2018 at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital
Born on October 20, 1916 in Makaweli, Kauai
She is survived by her sons: Donald (Janice) Nitta of Waimea, Norman Nitta of Kalaheo
Roy (Aileen) Nitta of Kekaha, 7) grandchildren: Kieran Canavan, Kaelyn Canavan, Pulama Nitta, Kamryn Nitta, Caede Nita, Pamela Gomez & Richard Nitta, 12) great-grandchildren
Private services were held. No Koden
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Betty Anne Sabog Bernabe
Betty Anne Sabog Bernabe, 77, of Puhi, passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on March 3, 2019. She was born on Oahu on Feb. 22, 1942, and was a chambermaid at Coco Palms Hotel.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Flordelisa Bernabe; parents, Pedro and Angeline Sabog; brother, Albert Sabog.
Betty is survived by her husband, Antonio Bernabe; daughters, Lisa Marie (Adam Millard) Bernabe, Lorelei (Dane) Felix, Elvie (Kaumaka) Asing; 8 grandchildren, Kai Felix, Kanekoa Asing, Kaulana Asing, Kahaku Asing, Alex Palacio, Wolfie Michels, Andrew Michels, Analorie Michels; sisters, Gina Hagmoc and Anna (Gary) Steffen; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, March 11, 2019, at Immaculate Conception Church with viewing from 8 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Carol VanKeeken
Anna Wilhelmina Carolina VanKeeken – called Carol, of Kapaa, passed away in Waimea on March 3, 2019, at the age of 88. She was born in Schiedam (Netherlands) on March 5, 1930, and retired as a tech drawer for the City of Palm Springs.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Marinus Cornelis and Carolina VanKeeken and her brothers, Benjamin, Keith and Cor VanKeeken.
Carol is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren as well as by lovely friends on Kauai and on the mainland.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at 3 p.m. at Salt Pond Beach Park, west end (pavilion #3). Carol’s family asks to bring flower petals that can be set afloat in the ocean with ashes.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Joe Walsh
Dear friends of Uncle Joe Walsh. There will be a celebration of his long life of 92 years at Anini Beach Park, March 16, starting at 1:30 p.m., potluck. A paddle out by his longtime friend John, who was taught how to surf at the age of 7 by Joe. Anyone who would like to also paddle out, bring your boards. Please come and share your stories of Joe.
You could usually fine Joe at his second home, the Kilauea Bakery having a coffee and muffin. He loved the owner Tom and all the beautiful and friendly girls that worked there.
Joe was a waterman. He lifeguarded in Miami. He also traveled the world with a water show where he was the high-diver. He taught many to surf and free dive. Joe loved hiking on the Napali Trail.
He is survived by two sons, Brandon and Joey Jr. and daughter, Gina.
As Joe was a World War II veteran there will be a marker on the VA Wall at the Hanapepe VA Cemetery. Flowers will be welcome there. The inscription on the wall will bear these words: “We are not here for a long time, we are here for a good time”
