Carolina ‘Kalena’ Santos
Carolina “Kalena” Santos, 88, of Kekaha, joined the Lord in heaven July 4, 2021, in the comfort of her home, with her loved ones by her side.
She was born to the late Matias Mayo Sr. and Remedios Particio, on Oct. 12, 1932, in Koloa. She graduated from Kaua‘i High School and later became the co-owner of Traveler’s Den Restaurant in 1967 with the love of her life Jeronimo “Jerry” Frank Santos. Jerry would say Carol possesses the sterling qualities he cherished in a woman. Together they traveled the world and effortlessly served their Kekaha community and the people of Kaua‘i with Carol’s remarkable cooking.
She went on to pursue her passion for sugar art with her renowned elegant cakes, and represented the state at the Bicentennial Cake Decorating Contest at Monroe, Michigan, where she amazingly won fourth place. Carol later served as an ICES director from 1976 to 1981 and hosted the First International Cake Exploration Society Show in Hawai‘i with Jerry by her side in 1978. Her greatest accomplishment was during the aftermath of Hurricane ‘Iwa when she prepared and served over 9,000 meals free of charge to the residents of Kaua‘i at their Traveler’s Den Restaurant.
Carol was the devoted wife of 76 years to the late Jerry Santos. She is survived by children Frank (Gene), Lynn (Robert), Kerry (Michelle), hanai son Edward, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Frankie (Renee), Ariel (Ku‘ulei), Raquel (Andrew), Joshua, Monica (Richard), Jaquelyn (Dre), Kanani (Victoria), Christine, Matthew, Kalei (Gina), Tiare (Maeli), Jayven, Kaedyn, Kiyani, Liann (Gary), Haley, Annalyn, Gary, Qiana, Keala (Brandy), Keara, Prima (Steven), JJ (Bronte), Maliyah, Noah, Khya, Shanelle (Ku‘i), Anuhea (Juni), Aleigha, Lawakua, Cullen (Lacy), Galen (Kiana), Lexcy, Kenui, Nakoa, Kayle (Ana), Kayzen, Keegan, Kalehua (Joe), Kaua, Jamie (Brycen), Bryce, Telissa (Kekoa), Mahina and Hulali, great-great-grandchildren Kamalu, Kaizo, Nohealani, Faith, Guinevere, George, Samuel, Lennox, Zoe, Isla, Jeremiah, Kysen, Mason, Haven, Peyton and Akela, siblings Donald (Kathy), Patricia (Claybourn) and Beverly, and numerous family members and dear friends.
Carol was preceded in death by parents Matias (Edith) and Remedios (Stanley), husband Jerry, granddaughter Raylynn, and siblings Matias Jr., Antony, Victoriana, Geraldo and Miriam Ann.
Carol was immensely proud of her family, and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. As she reached her time of passing she would say “I lived a good life”…
Viewing and prayer service will be held at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary, Koloa, on Saturday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Veteran’s Cemetery, Hanapepe, at 1 p.m.
Susan C. Nilsen
Susan C. Nilsen, of Princeville, passed away at the age of 77, at home on July 10, 2021, surrounded by her husband and two children. Susan was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was a wonderful wife, mother, friend, avid sailor, cook and volunteer, as well as a retired entrepreneur in the marine-hardware industry.
Susan is survived by husband Peter, daughter Michelle, son Christopher, sisters Chana and Judy, cousins, nieces and grandchildren.
The family will be holding a private celebration of life at a later date.
Lamberto P. Aqui Jr.
Lamberto P. Aqui Jr., 83, of Kapa‘a, passed away at home on April 14, 2020. He was born in Kealia on Oct. 26, 1936, and owned Lambert’s Appliance Services.
He was preceded in death by parents Lamberto Sr. and Francisca Aqui, sister Patricia Tiner, brothers Christopher Aqui and Angel Aqui and granddaughter Tia Alohilani Obrero.
He is survived by son Mark (Christine) Aqui, daughters Sandra Aqui and Michelle Lopes, sister Corinne (Blair) Peterson, grandchildren Eric, Ailana, Makana and David Aqui, Brent and Kayli Obrero, Jordan Lee, Kaina Christian, Kelani Griep, Tyler, Bradley, Kapono, Kamaile and Nainoa Lopes, great-grandchildren Noeau Peters-Aqui, Kaya and Kaz Obrero, Mia and Milo Blackstad, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is at St. Catherine Church Saturday, July 24. Visitation with the family will begin at 8:30 a.m. with services at 9:30 a.m.
George G. Costa Jr.
George G. Costa Jr. passed away on July 6, 2021, at the age of 91. He was born on Feb. 1, 1930, in Honolulu. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired as a Major in the Kaua‘i Police Department.
George was a humble man with many talents that he shared with his sons, their families and friends. He loved his Cummings ‘ohana and was an accomplished musician in his own right. He was also a skilled craftsman, artist and excellent golfer.
He was preceded in death by wife Sunshyne Kahalelehua Rodrigues Costa, parents George G. Sr. and Julia Pua‘ohi Cummings Kawamura, stepfather Louis Garcia, sister Barbara Jean Kealohilani Ellis and brother Albert Dennis Kealoha Costa.
He is survived by wife Gladys Ann Souza Costa, sons George Kapiolehua ‘Dennis’ (Chrystal) Costa of Kapa‘a, Byron Willis Kealoha ‘Kaina’ (Jules) Costa of Kapa‘a, Ian Kananiokalani (Wanda) Costa, Evan Kainoa (Lisa) Costa of Kapa‘a, stepchildren Wende Shires, Bobby (Trish) Shires Jr. and Michelle Shires Poppe, sister Mary Louise Leina‘ala De Carlo, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Saturday, July 24, at Borthwick Mortuary in Koloa, with viewing and visitation with the family at 8 a.m. with service to follow. Please practice COVID-19 protocols while in attendance of all memorial functions. Seating is limited and social distancing and face masks are required. The family suggests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Burial will be at the Kaua‘i Veteran’s Cemetery in Hanapepe following the funeral services.
The family of the late George G. Costa, Jr. would like to extend their sincere mahalo nui loa to everyone who expressed their kind thoughts, sympathy, prayers, support and kokua to make this celebration memorable.
Shizuko Iwamoto Shiramizu
Shizuko Iwamoto Shiramizu, 95, of Lihu‘e passed away on Sept. 25, 2020, on O‘ahu. She was born in Kapa‘a.
She was preceded in death by husband Chiyozo (Joe) Shiramizu and daughter Merrie.
She is survived by daughter Cheryl, two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private services were held at Lihu‘e Hongwanji Mission.