Rowena Poliolehua Kekahu Smith
Rowena Poliolehua Kekahu Smith passed away on May 10, 2022, at the age of 74, at her residence. She was born on Oct. 24, 1947, in Waimea. She was a retired certified nurse’s aide at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
She was preceded in death by father John Kaaupuiki Kekahu, Jr., mother Rebecca Mikala Koani, husband Henry Smith, brothers John “Butch” Kaaupuiki Kekahu III, Jonathan Kawika Kekahu, and daughter Katie Ilima Lotu Kinney.
She is survived by sister Rhoda Kawaipiilani Simeona, son Jay Kawika Fatu (Hazel) Lotu, daughter Robin Tupea Lehua (Kimo) Lotu, six grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
A service is Thursday, June 23, at the Garden Island Mortuary, with visitation 9 to 10 a.m., followed by service.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Pierre ‘Papa’ Pavao
Pierre “Papa” Pavao, of Kilauea, passed away on May 24, 2022, at the age of 65. He was born on Nov. 15, 1956, in Lihu‘e. He was a retired taro farmer and plumber.
He was preceded in death by parents John Pavao Sr., Paul Sun Kwong Say and Marianne Pavao, and brothers Earl Pavao and John Pavao Jr.
He is survived by wife Julie Yadao Constantino Pavao, son Pierre Makana (Alethia) Pavao, daughter Kalili (Kaulu) Pavao, hanai daughter Kelli Malia Berry, grandchildren Aniah Nahalia, Eden Nohea, Ezri Makoa, Elliora Kawena (Carrillo-Pavao), Waileia Ka‘uionalani, Uluwehi Kauaolikokalani (Pavao), Waipuna Kamana‘ohali‘aokekaimalie Pavao Kahale, hanai grandchildren Manoa William and Ira Matthew (Berry Lacock), mother Barbara Jean Say, sisters Keala (Jerry) Pavao Tittle and Jonelle Leina‘ala (Sean) Pavao Jardin, brothers William (Regina) Pavao, David (Janice) Pavao, Paul Say and Byron Say, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Friday, June 24, at St. Sylvester Church in Kilauea. Visitation is from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., followed by Mass at 10 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Alexandra Halasey
Our loving sister, Alexandra Halasey, passed away on June 26, 2022. She was born on April 15, 1957.
She was a devoted family member and will be missed by her family and many friends.
She grew up in Southern California and moved to Kaua‘i in 1983.
As a college graduate she found work at the Coco Palms Hotel in the accounting department, and later helped her brother, Joe Halasey, run his fruit stand on the North Shore. She was an excellent caregiver to her elderly parents, and in the last few years enjoyed her retirement living in Kilauea.
She is survived by sisters Janet Kutkowski and Blair Church, brother Joe Halasey, seven nieces and nephews and one grand-nephew.
We will miss her dearly.
Ronald C. Refamonte
Ronald C. Refamonte passed away on May 15, 2022, at the age of 74, in Hanapepe.
He was born on Dec. 6, 1947, in Lihu‘e. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army and retired from the state of Hawai‘i.
He was preceded in death by father Tomas Refamonte, mother Leoncia Cuyo, brothers Thomas Refamonte, Jr., Jerry Refamonte and Timothy Cuyo, and sisters Jean Refamonte Redira and Doris Refamonte.
He is survived by wife Koren Ishiki Refamonte, sons Ronald Boy Refamonte Jr. of Wailua, Ryan Refamonte of Wailua and Riley (Noelani) Refamonte of Kekaha, daughters Stacy Refamonte of Hanapepe and Ashley (Stanton) Yoshimori of Puhi, grandchildren Lehuanani (Keola) Baclayon, Tryston Refamonte, Sharya Refamonte, Keegan Refamonte, Taj Yoshimori, Emi Rose Yoshimori, Hunter Oligo and Starlee Oligo, great-grandchild Leina‘ala Baclayon, sisters Janet (Domingo) Largusa of Lihu‘e, Pearl (Raymond) Awana of Kane‘ohe and Beverly Cuyo of Honolulu, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service is Saturday, June 25, at Garden Island Mortuary. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. and services at 10 a.m. The family suggests aloha attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Frances Gadingan
Frances Gadingan passed away on May 23, 2022, at the age of 92, on O‘ahu. She was born on July 13, 1929, in Pu‘unene, Maui. She was a homemaker.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years Leon Gadingan, son-in-law Richard Tomita, grandsons Cyrus Gadingan and Sean Agoot, mother Eulogia Nicolas, father Guillermo Tacderan, sisters Helen Nono, Linda Cadiam and Bernie Bueno, brothers Frankie Polintan, Ernest Tacderan and Arthur Tacderan.
She is survived by children Jeannie (Stanley) Agoot, Leonard (Faith) Gadingan, Leona (Richard, deceased) Tomita of O‘ahu, Leonel “Sonny” (Emily) Gadingan, grandchildren Lorelei (Joseph) Hosea of O‘ahu, Kimberlyn (Keith) Howell of Happy Valley, Oregon, Lance Tomita of O‘ahu, Donovan (Rhonda) Gadingan, Kylene (Timothy Jr.) Albao, Chelsea (Chris) Goshi of O‘ahu, Tyson (Kazuko) Gadingan of O‘ahu, Jason (Kimberly) Steele of Virginia and Edward Steele, great-grandchildren Ryan Agoot of Seattle, Chloe, Kainoa and Chrissy Howell of Happy Valley, Oregon, Luana and Aidan Gadingan, Mason Tomita of O‘ahu, Kai‘ea and Kiowa Albao, Trent and Blake Goshi of O‘ahu and Jace and Harper Steele of Virginia, sisters Clarita Visitacion, Dolores (Eddie) Recopilacion of O‘ahu, Maggie Bermudes of Las Vegas, Kathleen (Jose) Arucan of O‘ahu, Marilyn Salas and Norma Salas of O‘ahu, and numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
Friends may visit the family on Saturday, June 18, at St. Raphael Church in Koloa. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., with service and Mass at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Raphael Cemetery. The family requests that masks be worn at all times.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
