Helen Mae Lacono
Helen Mae Lacono went to rest on Dec. 16, 2019, surrounded by the love of her ohana in Camarillo, California.
She worked at her restaurant, the Hanapepe Cafe, and was known as “The Soup Lady” of The Shops at Kukuiula culinary farmers’ market.
She was preceded in death by parents Beulah and Edward Molle, sister Debbie Swaim and beloved husband Andy Lacono.
She is survived by daughters Maria (Ken) Ito and Andrea (Galen) Kaohi, grandchildren Ku‘uleinani Breen, Anuhea Breen, Kenji Ito, Wailenalena Kaohi and Galen E. Kaohi, great-granddaughter Punohu Vigilia, and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorial service for Helen will be held at the Kekaha Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 8833 Kaumualii Hwy. at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, with a celebration of life to follow at Hanapepe Cafe, 3830 Hanapepe Rd., at 4 p.m.
Sweets and lei are welcome.
Michael Ralph Ben
Michael Ralph Ben, 70, of Hilo, died Jan. 5, 2020 at Hawaii Care Choices Pohai Malama Care Center. Born June 9, 1949, in Waipahu, Oahu, he was a retired director for the County of Hawaii Department of Human Resources, certified as a senior professional in human resources with the Society for Human Resource Management, past SHRM council director, past president of the Hawaii chapter, part-time arbitrator for the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, founding board member of the Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture, past race director for the Big Island Interscholastic Federation high school canoe-paddling program, official for the Moku O Hawaii Paddling Association, and creator of the Hawaii Island Outrigger Paddling Facebook account.
He is survived by wife Betty Ben of Hilo, brothers Gerald (Renee Fukumoto-Ben) Ben of Kailua-Kona and Robert (Cynthia) Ben of Oahu, sister Cheryl (Charles Brady) Ben-Brady of Kauai, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation is from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at Dodo Mortuary chapel in Hilo, with memorial service at 5 p.m. The family suggests casual attire.
Dodo Mortuary is assisting the the family with arrangements.
Antonio Almasan Cabanes
Antonio Almasan Cabanes, 88, passed away on Jan. 7, 2020, at Wilcox Medical Center. He was born on Jan. 17, 1931, in Pilar, Abra, Philippines.
He was a seed cutter and watchman at Olokele Sugar Company.
He was preceded in death by parents Simpilicio and Anastasia Cabanes and adoptive parents Mariano and Susana Camangyan.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Barbara Cabanes, sons Simplicio Tito (Nami) Cabanes of Hanapepe, Billy Cabanes of Eleele, daughter Anabel (Moises) Lopez San Juan of Eleele, grandchildren Aisha and Akito Cabanes and Alex Lopez, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at the Lihue Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 3100 Akahi St. on Saturday, Jan. 18, with visitation from 2 to 3 p.m., with the memorial services at 3 p.m. and refreshments to follow.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Gary Itokazu
Gary Itokazu, 82, of Lihue, passed away on Jan. 15, 2020. He was born on Kauai on Nov. 5, 1937.
He was preceded in death by wife Violet Itokazu.
Kauai Memorial Gardens &Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
