Obituaries for Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Sonja Grace Kenerson Kealoha

Sonja Grace Kenerson Kealoha, age 79, passed away peacefully with family close at Garden Isle Health Care in Lihu‘e, on Oct. 24, 2021. She was born on Feb. 12, 1942, in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Sonja moved to Kaua‘i and has resided on the island since 1977. She loved the island, its lifestyle and Hawaiian music. Her joy was her work, family and ‘ohana.

She was a cosmetologist and hair stylist back when the Marriott’s Kaua‘i Beach Resort was known as The Westin in Lihu‘e. She studied yoga, taught lessons, wrote poetry and was a talented artist with a gift for doing portraits.

Sonja was also trained in ballet, taught classes, organized recitals, and choreographed all the music and dance, herself. She was a licensed home health aide and compassionately worked with many of Kaua’i’s elders and the disabled.

She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Sylvia Kenerson of Poipu.

She is survived by her loving husband Francis Kealoha of Lawa‘i, daughter Carlene (Durell) Otlang of Kalaheo, son Erick (Amanda) Haynes Kenerson of Christ Church, New Zealand, sisters Barbara Whittier and Benjamin Lastimosa of Lihu‘e, Patricia Di Bartolomeo and Bob Lane of Koloa, Carol (Dennis) Claussen of Koloa, Audrey Moulton of Hanapepe, grandchildren Timothy and Senja Miyamoto of Kaua‘i, William (Bud) Miyamoto of California, Megan, Keone, Ethan, and Kelsea Haynes from Christ Church, New Zealand, nine great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will have a private service at a later date.

Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Felicitas Aquino Kolo

Mrs. Felicitas Aquino Kolo, age 79, formally of Kaua‘i, who resides in Honolulu, passed away Sept. 30, 2021, at Pali Momi Medical Center. She was born in the Philippines and retired as a chef at Damian High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ceferino and Victoria Q. Aquino and husband Leslie Kolo.

She is survived by daughter Valorie (Michael) Miguel, grandchildren Brandon K. Miguel, Erika M. (Nalu) Miguel, great-grandchildren, Jayden Kekoali‘ipomaika‘iokalani, Kiara Kamakana‘olaomakamae Aliana Kailikea, Kahekilinui Kekaulike, Kauila Keahi, sisters, Leonora Villanueva, Benilda Rebudal and Pauline (Patricio) Viernes, numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation with the family is at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Our Lady of the Mount, in Honolulu followed by Mass at 10 a.m.

Nu‘uanu Memorial Park and Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Joseph ‘Joe’ James Sugai

Joe Sugai, 73, of Anahola, passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born on Kaua‘i on April 19, 1948, and retired as a irrigation supervisor for the Lihu‘e Plantation.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Marion Sugai, brother Stanford Sugai, father in-law Fred Aki Sr., brother in-law Doug Kaeo, brother in-law Fred Aki Jr, nephew Dougie Boy Kaeo and niece Stacey Kelekoma.

Joseph is survived by his wife Melissia Sugai, daughters, Maile (Alika) Masada, Marla (Pomai) Cockett, Ana (Mindy) Hoomanawanui-Sugai, Joeddy (Brad) Aki-Sugai, Nohi (Jessie) Pia-Sugai, Kapua (Bryson) Sugai-Salvador, sisters Bernie Kaeo, Judy (Pat) Kelekoma, step-mother, Dora Sugai, grandchildren RJ Masada, Kala‘e Masada, Treavor Cockett, Kensi Cockett, Bryden Sugai-Salvador, Tee Sugai-Salvador, La‘e Sugai-Salvador, Kiyomi Sugai, Kaeo Contrades (Hanai), great-grandchild Chevy Masada and numerous other relatives.

Joe was born and raised in Kealia, attended St. Catherines School then Kapa‘a High School where he graduated. Joe was known to be an awesome football player for Kapa‘a Warriors.

After High School Joe enlisted in the US Army and served in the Vietnam War. After military service Joe returned to Kaua‘i and attended KCC Trade School.

Joe started a family, having two girls, Maile and Marla. In 1982, Joe met Melissia and had two daughters Ana and Joeddy, then he married Melissia in 1987, having two more daughters, Nohi and Kapua raising their family in their home in Anahola.

He worked for Lihu‘e Plantation 30 years and retired as a Irrigation Supervisor. Working in the plantation Joe gained knowledge operating all the waterways from Lihu‘e to Anahola. After leaving the plantation, he was employed with Paradise Ranch as a Ranch Foreman and a Grounds Supervisor. Joe was a lifelong rancher and cowboy who learned from his uncles Willy and Manuel Ornellas. He got back into the rodeo and started teaching his daughters the sport he loved and supported them. Joe looked forward to going to rodeos and seeing friends and talking story. As his children got older, he looked forward traveling to Maui and spending his days watching his grandson participate in rodeos and baseball and spending time with his Maui friends.

When he wasn’t traveling he was busy supporting his grandson that he raised on Kaua‘i playing baseball and football. He looked forward to baseball season (like rodeo) so he could see his friends and family and most of all watch his grandson play his heart out. His recent travels was with the Kawaihau Little League All-Stars that his grandson played and traveled to O‘ahu then to Maui for State Finals. He was the well known “PAPA JOE” by the team and loved to hear him cheer. He will definitely be missed at the games by all the families who have come to know and love him.

With a love for Vegas, he was a man who travelled yearly to enjoy his time playing cards and his favorite, Craps. “No Pass” is what his friends knew him as, but no matter what he would not change for anyone.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, at the Kelekoma Pasture. On Kealia Road past the Spaulding Monument towards Anahola, look for signs. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with services at noon, followed by lunch and music to enjoy and fellowship. Due to COVID-19 social distancing and masks required.

Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mylene ‘My-My’ Jane Aguinaldo

Mylene “My-My” Jane Aguinaldo, of Kilauea, passed away on Oct. 27, 2021, at Queens Medical Center, O‘ahu, at the age of 35. She was born on April 5, 1986, in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She was a bookkeeper for Earthworks Pacific.

Mylene was preceded in death by grandparents Felimon and Felipa Aguinaldo, and mother Thelma Passion Cadiente Aguinaldo.

Mylene is survived by her father Weslie “Amboy” (Lilibeth) Aguinaldo Sr., brothers Reynan Aguinaldo, Jastin Aguinaldo, Joshweih Aguinaldo, Weslie Aguinaldo Jr., all of Kilauea, sisters Lena (Dennis) Bueno, of ‘Ele‘ele, Gwen Aguinaldo of Kilauea, numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may visit the family on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Saint Sylvester’s Catholic Church, Kilauea. Visitation at 8:30 a.m. Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. followed by burial at Saint Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery, Kealia.

Borthwick Kauai Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Caroline ‘Carol’ Edythe O’Shaughnessy

Caroline “Carol” Edythe O’Shaughnessy, longtime Kaua‘i resident, passed away at home on Nov. 8, 2021, at the age of 95, surrounded by family. She was born March 30, 1926, in Roseville, California, to Ella and Christopher Dundee, who were early pioneers to the Sacramento Valley area. Carol was a devoted daughter and caregiver to her parents, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and true friend.

After graduating from San Juan High School in Sacramento, Carol completed her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno where she met her husband, Bob O’Shaughnessy, an All-American basketball star and World War II veteran.

Carol furthered her education at Sacramento State College and received her teacher’s credentials. She began her career teaching preschool which she truly loved. After moving her family to Kaua‘i in the early 70’s, Carol taught at a number of elementary schools from ‘Ele‘ele to Kilauea, where she retired at age 70. She shared her passion for learning with all of her students.

Carol was an accomplished watercolor artist, winning numerous awards throughout her lifelong love of painting. Her gift for creating beauty through her artwork and in her home and gardens was admired by everyone who knew her.

She was also a skilled tap dancer, enjoying both performing and teaching.

Carol was happiest being outdoors, spending her free time nurturing her plants and gardens and enjoying her many pet dogs, cats and birds. She enjoyed gathering with family and friends at the beach for potlucks, swimming and searching for the perfect driftwood. She also loved to ski and play tennis and taught her children at an early age to enjoy the same.

Always enthusiastic, no adventure was too big for Carol, whether it was climbing the tallest oak tree on her family farm, rafting through the rapids on the American and Truckee rivers, or hiking into the Kalalau Valley.

Carol will be deeply missed and always remembered for her zest for Life and her boundless spirit. Aloha ‘Oe

Carol was preceded in death by her parents Ella and Chris Dundee, sister Lillian Pine, brothers Chris and Frederick Dundee, husband Bob O’Shaughnessy, granddaughter Eryn O’Shaughnessy, nephews Chris Jr. and Steve Dundee and Norm Pine.

Carol is survived by her children Barbara (Ted) Mahan, Terry (Alan) O’Shaughnessy, Kevin (Sandi) O’Shaughnessy, Kirk (Dianne) O’Shaughnessy, Brian O’Shaughnessy, Kelly (Mindy) O’Shaughnessy, grandchildren Shannon (Joe) Massarotti, Shane (Katie) Mahan, Brigette O’Shaughnessy, Christopher Freidinger, Daniel O’Shaughnessy, great grandchildren Ella and Mason Massarotti, Avery and Davis Mahan, and Juliette O’Shaughnessy

A memorial service is planned for Dec. 4, 2021, at 2 p.m. in Kapa’a. Guests can email Terry at terryoshaun@gmail.com for more information.

Judie L. Shintani

Judie L. Shintani passed away on Nov. 11, 2021, at the age of 59 years old, at the Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital. She was born on Nov. 1, 1962, at Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau. She was an educational assistant for Ni‘ihau Schools in Kekaha.

Judie is survived by sons Jeremiah (Rachel) Shintani of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, Kenneth (Momi) Shintani Jr. of Ka‘awanui Camp, Barney (Ualani) Shintani of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, Aaron “Mikey” (Hoku) Shintani of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, daughter Racine (Manu) Shintani of ‘Ele‘ele, 17 grandchildren, brothers Uilama Hoomana (Noelani) Kanahele of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, Isaac (Ehulani) Kanahele of Kekaha, sisters Dale Evans (Kalei) Kanahele of Hanapepe, Laurie (Lee) Pahulehua of Pu‘uwai, Ni‘ihau, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be held at Garden Island Mortuary, on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. Walk through visitation will be from 9 am to noon. Followed by a Celebration of Life and burial at the Kekaha Hawaiian Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 social distancing, face masks, 25 people indoors, 50 people outdoor, policy applies.

Garden Island Mortuary Assisted the family with arrangements.

Corazon Carcueva Hesapene

Corazon Carcueva Hesapene, 88, of Kekaha, passed away peacefully on Nov. 10, 2021, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born in Mana, Kaua‘i on June 25, 1933 and was a loving homemaker.

Cora was preceded in death by her husband Magua Hesapene, her sons Dean Hesapene, Kenneth Hesapene, her great-granddaughter Kaisa Hesapene Gramberg, her brothers Cilino Carcueva and Ponto Carcueva.

Cora is survived by her children Verna (Mike) Kirsch, Sharon (Byron) Ariola, Marvin (Iris) Hesapene, David (Camille) Hesapene, Audrey (Steve) Franco, daughter-in-law Juno (Dean-deceased), her brother Sofronio (Rose) Carcueva, sister Mabel (Charles deceased) Pacleb, 17 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Kekaha, from 10 to 11 a.m. Mass will begin at 11 a.m. Due to COVID-19 burial will be private, social distancing and masks are required.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Judith Piilani Taniguchi

Judith Piilani Taniguchi passed away on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at her residence at the age of 66. She was born on Dec. 15, 1954, in Waimea. She was a retired cafeteria associate with Waimea High School.

Judith was preceded in death by sons Wayne Al Martin Jr., Shane Kaina Martin and parents Hulu and Kanani Taniguchi.

Judith is survived by Wayne Martin Sr. of Kalaheo, daughter Vanessa (Bud) Akana of Kekaha, four grandchildren Shayna (Jim) Malina, Tristen (Bernie) Akana, Cayla (Kai Boi) Akana Cainen Akana, one great-grandchild Kaizen Kawahalao, brothers Hulu (Guylyn) Taniguchi of O‘ahu, Kenneth (Susan) Taniguchi of Kapa‘a, Jerry Anthony Taniguchi of Waimea, sister-in-laws Phyllis (Manuel) Andrade of Lawai, Valerie (Ronald) Perreira of Kalaheo, Ulu (Howard) Perreira of Kalaheo, cousins Ala Nizo, Ruth Naumu, Heidi Kaohi, Carmelita Haumea, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

Due to COVID-19, a walk through visitation from 10 a.m. to noon with a celebration of life to follow, on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at the Garden Island Mortuary Chapel. Casual attire, and flowers are welcome.

Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family

Betty J. Weichhart

Betty J. Weichhart, age 96, of Kapa‘a, passed away on May 22, 2021. She was born in Portland, Oregon, on March 27, 1925.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Weichhart, sister Lynn Hammersmith, son Rexford Weichhart and grandson Ivan Beekman.

Betty is survived by her children Wendy Morgan, Mardy (Jay) Valentine, John “Ty” (Stacy) Weichhart Jr., six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Betty’s home, 7270 Aina Pono St., Kapa‘a, on Nov. 21, 2021, at 1 p.m.