Florence Nakamasu Wakuta
Florence Nakamasu Wakuta passed away at the age of 86, surrounded by her loving ohana, on July 14, 2019.
She was born on Dec. 7, 1932, to Takejiro and Chiyo Nakamasu, and was the second eldest of eight children. She was married for 61 years to Hideo Wakuta, who passed away in 2014.
Her children were fortunate to have their mother as a stay-at-home mom until they were in their teens, and she later worked for Kapaa Bakery and Kapaa Big Save. She also worked tirelessly beside her husband on their pineapple farm.
An active member of Hui Alu Club, she was a strong supporter of the Okinawan heritage, and cooked for many of their events, including their yearly golf tournament, Shinnenkai (New Year’s party) and the Okinawan Festival. Her favorite dishes that friends and family loved were her pigs feet soup, sweet and sour pigs feet and poi andagi. Along with her husband, they were awarded the HUOA Uchinanchu of the Year in 2002.
She was preceded in death by brother Ernest Nakamasu, and survived by children Derek (Debra) Wakuta of Kapaa, Dawn (Xavier) Ikei of Aiea, Daryl (Alison) Wakuta of Torrance, California, and Duane (Puanani) Wakuta of Kapaa, siblings Stella Miyoshi of Kapaa, Nancy Talbo of Lihue, Frances Ishikawa of Honolulu, Roy Nakamasu of Honolulu, Dennis Nakamasu of Honolulu and Donna Kozai of Las Vegas, grandchildren Desiree Wakuta-Matsuda, Kelsey and Brent Arakaki, Brandee and Carey Wakuta, Chivas, Jetsen and Duane Wakuta Jr., four great-grandchildren, caregiver Debra Bahnmiller, Wailua ohana, Amanda, Kainoa, Fredna and Robyn.
Friends may visit with the family from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at the Wakuta residence at 5980A Kaapuni Road. Please see parking attendants for assistance. Services will begin at 4:30 p.m. The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers be omitted.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Laurie Williams
Laurie Williams, beloved daughter of Anne and Tom Welsh, died July 27, 2019, at Wilcox Medical Center.
She was a loving and caring person, and her passing has left many people with sadness in their hearts.
She was born in Los Angeles on May 18, 1959, and from the earliest age showed her love of music. She became an accomplished singer, song writer and entertained in Los Angeles and Ojai, California, London, Himeji City, Japan, and Kauai. She was well known at the Kauai Music Festival and Mokihana Festival’s composer’s contest.
She played acoustic and electric guitar, bass and piano. With her mother Anne, she created an album of original blues songs. To read about her and listen to our music, go to williamsandwelsh.com.
She was preceded in death by her biological father Gary Williams. But Tom Welsh was her real father for 50 years, her favorite grandmother “Mammy” and her uncle Johnny also went before her.
She is survived by her parents Anne and Tom Welsh, aunt Sheila Orvis and half-sister Mariln Lauritsen. With her passing her mother gained a guardian angel.
A celebration of life will be held at the Wai‘oli Hui‘ia Church in Hanalei on Saturday, Aug. 17, with visitation to begin at 10 a.m. and services to follow.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Regina Cabico Torres
Regina Cabico Torres, 80, passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on July 24, 2019.
She was born on Sept. 17, 1938, in Dasay, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, and retired from the Kauai Hilton Hotels & Resorts as a housekeeper.
She was preceded in death by parents Severo and Hilaria Cabico, husband Fausto Sambajon Torres and infant son Francis Torres.
She is survived by children Sonny Torres of the Philippines, Juanita (Richard) Agaran of Kapaa, Boni (Cathy) Torres of the Philippines, Clarence (Melba) Torres of Eleele, Anabel (Rhod) Giron of Lanai City and Robert Torres of Kapaa, siblings Cresencia Garces of Kealia and Carol (Elpidio) Nono of Kapaa, 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 31, at St. Catherine Church, with visitation from 8 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 10 a.m.
Burial will follow at St. Catherine Cemetery.
Borthwick Kauai Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
