Obituaries for Sunday, January 8, 2023
Karen Ellen Mahelona
Karen Ellen Mahelona
Karen Ellen Mahelona, 73, of Kapa‘a, passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Dec. 28, 2022. She was born in Portland, Maine, on Sept. 6, 1949.
She was preceded in passing by parents Norman and Natalie Baizley and brother Norman Baizley.
She is survived by husband Charles K. Mahelona, children Kalelani (Wesley) Ogata and Louis (Tiffany) Mahelona III, grandchildren Pomaika‘i Ogata, Kamaluonalani Ogata, Kinohi Na‘ihe, Ka‘ua Noe Na‘ihe, Louis Pu‘uonioni Mahelona IV, Kalena Mahelona and Charles Kekahuna Mahelona II, and sisters Barbara Foley, Peggy (Frank) Libby and Pat Harildstad.
Private services will be held by the family. Anyone who would like to support the family can visit https://gofund.me/e621d5a5.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Charles Kekahuna Mahelona
Charles Kekahuna Mahelona, 76, of Wailua, passed away at Wilcox Medical Center on Jan. 3, 2023. He was born on Honolulu on Jan. 31, 1946.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Karen Mahelona, father Louis Pu‘uonioni Mahelona, mother Rosella (Char) Mahelona, siblings Gwendolyn Bargamento, Vivian Almeida, Ronald Mahelona, Steven Mahelona, John Mahelona and Alan Mahelona.
He is survived by brother George Louis Mahelona, sisters Merriel (Clayton) Yonahara and Barbara Leota, children Kalelani (Wesley) Ogata and Louis (Tiffany) Mahelona III, grandchildren Pomaika‘i Ogata, Kamaluonalani Ogata, Kinohi Na‘ihe, Ka‘ua Noe Na‘ihe, Louis Pu‘uonioni Mahelona IV, Kalena Mahelona and Charles Kekahuna Mahelona II.
If you would like to help support the family please visit https://gofund.me/7c790b35
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Doris M. Sugahara
Doris M. Sugahara, 90, of Kaua‘i, passed away on Nov. 26, 2022. She was born on March 12, 1932, on Kaua‘i. She was a medical records clerk with Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
She was preceded in death by husband Miyogo Sugahara, son Leslie Sugahara, parents Sosei Furugen and Kameko Furugen, brothers Minoru Furugen, Tadashi Furugen, Kiyoshi Furugen and Wallace Furugen, sister Alice Furugen, great-grandson Kaya Sugahara and great-granddaughter Kodie Sugahara.
She is survived by sons Miles (Catherine Pfendler) Sugahara of Kaua‘i, Joel (Faith) Sugahara of Arizona and Brent Sugahara of Kaua‘i, sisters Masako Oda of O‘ahu and Elaine (Gary) Hiranaka of Kaua‘i, 10 grandchildren, 26 great- grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services are Jan. 21 at Kapa‘a United Church of Christ. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers be omitted. The family requests no koden (monetary donations).
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Edean Lono Gardner
Edean Lono Gardner, 68, of Anahola, passed away on Oct. 21, 2022. He was born on Sept. 8, 1954, in Lihu‘e. He worked for the state Department of Transportation Highways Division.
He was preceded in passing by parents Moses and Mercedes Gardner, brothers Clarence (Nani) Gardner and Alton Gardner and sister Iris Woodward.
He is survived by wife Mollie “Pua” Gardner, son Kapena Cummings, grandsons Ezra and Ezekiel Cummings, sister LoyAnn Gardner, brother-in-law Darriel Woodward, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service is Saturday, Jan. 14, at Anahola Beach Park, beginning at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Fausta Domingo Ortega
Fausta Domingo Ortega, 98, of Lihu‘e, passed away peacefully on Aug. 20, 2022, at Wilcox Medical Center. She was born on Oct. 13, 1923, in Lahina, Maui, and was a retired baker at the old Kaua‘i Cinnamons bakery.
She was preceded in death by parents Norberto and Barbara Domingo, brothers Jimmy Domingo and Manual Domingo, sisters Violet Laird and Juanita Guillermo and son Rudolpho Ortega.
She is survived by brothers Alfred Domingo and Henery Domingo, sisters Carol Helton and Dolores Ayson, son Lucas (Ramona) Ortega, daughters Patrocinia (August) Schrader, Catherine Alayvilla and Arlene Palmeira, 16 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
Her funeral service will be held at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Lihue on Jan. 13, beginning at 11 a.m.
Thank you to Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home for providing assistance in the funeral arrangements.
Ainsley Kelekoma
Ainsley Kelekoma, 81, of Anahola, passed away at home on Nov. 3, 2022, surrounded by loved ones. He retired from the county Department of Public Works Solid Waste Division as a truck driver. Previous to working for the county, he was a tour bus driver for Grayline Kaua‘i.
He was preceded in death by parents Franklin “Manu” and Luella M. Kelekoma, sisters and brothers-in-law Luella “Tida” and Gilbert Moniz Sr. and Darlene and Al Oshiro, brothers Franklin “Sonny” Kelekoma and Alexander “Alika” Kelekoma, brother-in-law David E. Wilson and sister-in-law Leonora Kelekoma.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Linda L Kelekoma, sons Kalen (Sorrel Weiss) Kelekoma and John (Jillian) Kelekoma, hanai son Jim (Cathy) Daugherty, grandsons Keola (Nikki Young) Kelekoma and Mana Kelekoma, granddaughters Keanna Woodward, Olivia Kelekoma and Jasmine Kelekoma, hanai granddaughters Shawna Daugherty (Scott) Fisher and Marie Daugherty (Roger) Hogan, hanai great-grandchildren Aiden Fisher and Reagan, Mackenzie and Palmer Hogan, brothers Clay Kelekoma Sr., David (Chris) Kelekoma, sisters-in-law Tomie Kelekoma, Molly Kuhaulua, Ardeth Wilson, former daughter-in-law Sharon (Cody) Graham, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, at Hanama‘ulu Beach Park pavilion, with visitation from 10 a.m., services at 11 a.m. and luncheon to follow.
Marcelina Buncayao
Marcelina Bungcayao passed away on Dec. 27, 2022, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 96. She was born on May 27, 1926, in the Philippines. She was a retired chamber maid.
She was preceded in death by husband Segundino Bungcayao, daughter Linda Rabago and grandson Stephen Wong.
She is survived by sons Fred (Lorene) Bungcayao of Princeville and Dominic Bungcayao of Washington, daughter Trina (Albert Jr.) Wong of Wailua, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, brother Benny Pajardo of Lihu‘e, sister Lydia (Rudy) Madriaga of Puhi, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Friday, Jan. 13, at Immaculate Conception Church, with visitation from 8 to 10 a.m. followed by Mass. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
William R. Freitas
William R. Freitas, 94, of Kilauea, passed away at home on Dec. 26, 2022. He was born in Kilauea on Dec. 30, 1927, and served three years in the Army military police, after which he worked as a mechanic at Kilauea Plantation and then later on retired from Princeville Corporation.
He was preceded in passing by parents Manuel and Mary Freitas, brothers Jacinth, Joseph, Walter, Manuel Jr. and Patrick Freitas, sisters Josephine Guilermo, Caroline Feiteia, Hilda Camara, Bernice Freitas, Annabelle Hirschi and Kathleen Poe.
He is survived by sister Loretta F. Boro and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, at St. Sylvester Church in Kilauea. Visitation will begin at 8:30 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow immediately after at Kilauea Japanese Cemetery.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dr. Richard Wayne Fukino
Dr. Richard Wayne Fukino, went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 14, 2022. He leaves a legacy of many cherished family and friends he touched, served and loved throughout his 34+ years of service as a family practice/emergency room physician at Kaua’i Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waimea.
He is survived by wife Davelyn “Nani,” children Jason Kaimina‘auao, Joshua Kaleimakamaeokeola, Justin Kawaiolakapaeokalani, Jennifer Kawehiohuokekuahiwi, seven grandchildren, siblings Dr. Chiyome Fukino Cutler, Leinani Springer, Reiko Fukino, Rockwell Fukino and Leimamo Nitta, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
A living wake was held on Aug. 20, 2022, for Dr. Fukino, who was showered with love by the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime from those who attended as well as those who were unable to attend. He felt blessed, grateful and knew he made a difference in someone’s life. No additional funeral services are planned.
“If I can keep the doors of Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital open one more day, then it’s a good day.” — Dr. Richard Wayne Fukino. “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. Or the One.” — Spock. Live long and prosper.
Michael A. Berkemeyer
Michael A. Berkemeyer, of North Shore, Kaua‘i, passed away at home, peacefully, with loved ones by his side, on Dec. 21, 2022, at the age of 75. Born on Feb. 19, 1947, He grew up in Haleiwa, O‘ahu, attended Waialua High School and surfed professionally for Dick Brewer’s “Surfboards Hawai‘i.” He was a much loved and professional bass player, with a side gig with Kaua‘i Luxury Travel.
He was preceded in death by parents Joseph D. Berkemeyer, mother Isabel T. Berkemeyer, his life partner Judy Gardner, sister Mary (Chuck) Stephany, brother David (Sonya) Berkemeyer, two nieces, one nephew, two great-nieces and four great-nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, at Hanalei Bay on left side of pier from 3 to 6 p.m. A paddle out will depend on weather and surf conditions.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jeremy Owen Dexter-Smith
On Nov. 9, 2022, Jeremy Owen Dexter-Smith passed away in his sleep at the age of 41 after a devastating battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, Hali, his parents Barbara and Michael, and his dog, Jake, which gave him peace in his final days. He was visited by many friends before he passed, and he made each one of them laugh with his quick one-liners and never-ending smile.
A chef and entrepreneur, his love of adventure brought him from his hometown is Massachusetts to Kaua‘i 15 years ago, where he thrived and made a home for himself, meeting and marrying the love of his life and settling down in Kilauea. He enjoyed all outdoor activities, stand up paddling, fishing, boating, and taking his dogs to the beach. Occasionally, he could talk Hali into going with him.
A foodie to the core, you could always find Jeremy researching recipes and cooking up delicious meals and thinking up new and exciting businesses to start. He was never happier than with a (too) big plate of food in front of him, whether it be at a 5 star restaurant, a family dinner at his sister-in-law’s, or with homemade tacos. His love of food knew no bounds, and led to him co-founding Po‘okela Sausage Co.
He had a love for life and enjoyed both the big and small things it had to offer. A trip to the dog park, taking a load of trash to the local dump, or an adventure to an exciting new country with Hali, there was little that didn’t spark joy in him. He loved spending time with his dogs, Reggie and Jake, and his family. One of his greatest joys was hanging out with his niece and nephew, Brea and Nainoa, and never ever telling them “no” when they asked for anything. He continues to be their favorite. He was also the best big brother to his sister, Becky.
He is now reunited with Reggie in the afterlife and leaves behind countless family members and friends who miss him dearly, Hali most of all.
A celebration of life and paddle out will be held at Waipa in Hanalei on May 27, 2023. In lieu of giving flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to Kaua‘i Hospice or American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Honolulu.
Laurentzia Garania
Laurentzia Garania passed away on Dec. 26, 2022, at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, at the age of 90. She was born on April 2, 1932, in Waimea. She was a domestic engineer.
She was preceded in death by husband Januario Garania, parents Placido DeFabian and Isabella DeFabian, sisters Rose Labrador, Leonida Aguinaldo and brother Alfredo DeFabian.
She is survived by sons Kory (aka Januario/Bunny) Chavez, Ronald (Candice) Garania, Brian (Darlene) Garania and Kevin Garania, daughters Evangeline (John) Villane, Laurena (Richard) Silva and Laurie (Russell) Morita, siblings Magdelena Quirido, Leonora Carveiro, Patricia Reyes and Marcelino (Natividad) DeFabian, 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is Saturday, Jan. 14, at St. Raphael Church in Koloa. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. and Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. Please join our family for light refreshments and luncheon in the church hall. Burial will follow at the Hanapepe Public Cemetery at 11:30 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
