Obituaries for Sunday, February 12, 2023

Lawrence ‘Larry’ Rivera

On the evening of Jan. 30, 2023, at the age of 92, legendary and beloved Kaua‘i entertainer Lawrence “Larry” Rivera peacefully passed away at the Garden Isle Healthcare Center in Lihu‘e after a brief battle with cancer.

Larry was born on Sept. 14, 1930 in Kekaha, to Policarpio and Rose Rivera (deceased). He lived in Wailua Homesteads and is survived by his darling wife of 68 years, Gloria Rivera, and children Lurline (Michael) Fernandez, Dwayne Rivera, Ilima Rivera, Derek (Ada) Rivera, Leilani (Darryl) Low, Larry Jr. (Pam) Rivera, plus dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and their names are…

In 1951, Larry graduated from Kapa‘a High School, and in 1952 while proudly serving in the U.S. Army, his group — named The Beach Boys — won first place in the All Army Talent Show, beating out over 35 other Army bands.

After his military service, Larry held a series of jobs, including busboy, waiter, bartender, and worked in the breakfast room The Earl of Sandwich in the early morning and performed on stage at night. He became the headline entertainer at the famous Coco Palms Hotel in Wailua, with Larry Rivera’s Love and Aloha Show, featuring his family. After his main show, he also hosted the Nightcap with Larry in the lounge.

For over 75 years — as a singer, songwriter, musician, comedian, and even wedding officiant and coordinator — Larry shared his love and aloha for Kaua‘i by composing over a hundred songs about the island paradise, releasing 14 albums, and performing for hundreds of thousands of visitors and locals from throughout Hawai‘i and from around the world.

For his contributions to Hawai‘i music, as an ambassador of aloha and as “Mr. Coco Palms,” Larry won numerous honors, including being the recipient of two Lifetime Achievement Awards — one from the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards and another from the Hawai‘i Music Awards.

To this day, if you’re in Wailua by the Coco Palms lagoon and you listen closely, some say you will start to hear Larry playing his ‘ukulele and singing from heaven, where Elvis Presley and Pattie Page are singing backup for him.

Back here on earth, Larry’s celebration of life is Saturday, Feb. 25, at St. Catherine Church in Kapa‘a. Visitation starts at 9:30 a.m., Mass at noon and burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Lihu‘e. For additional details, go to LarryRiveraKauai.com.

Margery Lloyd Hexton

Margery Lloyd Hexton passed away on Jan. 21, 2023. at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital, at the age of 96. She was born on March 20, 1926, in Evanston, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by husband Julian Sayre Hexton and son-in-law John Falvey.

She is survived by daughter Clayton Falvey of Waimea, grandchildren Brandy Falvey and Sean Falvey, great-grandchild Jameson Falvey, and numerous cousins.

A celebration of life is Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Po‘ipu Beach Park large pavilion, starting at noon. The family requests casual attire.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Audrey Kapaihiokanani Aweau Loo

On January 26, 2023, Audrey Kapaihiokanani Aweau Loo, 90, journeyed to her everlasting place to join her daughter Laurie Loo, her parents John and Esther Aweau, her husband Joe Loo, her son Joseph Jr., her 15 siblings, and her many friends and relatives.

During her transitioning, rainbows would appear when she spoke of joining her loved ones who had passed, or in conversations about her. At the time of her last breath on earth, two butterflies appeared twirling into the sky, signaling that Laurie was there to accompany her on her journey.

Audrey lived an extraordinary life that blessed her children Iris Loo Spanski, John Loo, James Loo and Damian Loo, grandchildren and great-grandsons. Her last conversations would be her adamantly saying how she loves every one of them with her whole heart. Her big heart extended to the “baby sister” of her big ‘ohana, her godsons, loving cousins and nieces and nephews from both the Aweau and Loo side. Aunty Audrey became a favorite to many of them. The many friends that she collected through her life always had a kind or funny story.

After leaving Hawai‘i in 1954 for the Mainland due to her husband’s military orders, she did not return for decades to live on Kaua‘i. Making a new life in Orange County, California and settling into a different culture was a challenge, but somehow, she managed to make everything nice, and more than her family had growing up.

Her children didn’t go without because she made their lives full, fun and full of warmth. They flourished, confident they would always have her to make things better. Her approach to meals and anything she did was full of thoughtfulness, love, patience and uniqueness.

She picked up automotive skills building out a van and truck to camp with five children along California’s coast, in its forests, and at Camp Pendleton’s San Onofre Beach.

In the ‘60s and ‘70s she sewed her family’s clothes from Hawaiian prints and rice bags into jams (shorts), hats, shirts and dresses. In this way, her children learned not to forget where they came from.

All were welcomed to her home, with many families and hanai children along the way. The Aweau and Loo nephews were always welcome alongside her own children. A passion for bowling took her to many state tournaments with the California-Hawaiian Kama‘aina Club. Her last bowing league would be with the seniors at Lihu‘e Bowling Alley.

Retiring as a accountant, then manager of two service centers at El Toro Marine Corps Base and the Airbase, Irvine, to Kaua‘i, was very different from her California life, especially to farm 11.5 acres on a Hawaiian Homes farm lot in Anahola. That transition was made a little easier with the women softball and football players her husband, Joe, recruited. She often said that the last batch of kids that came from Kaua‘i were the best and most talented.

The new friendships she made became her life. She enjoyed her life of planting orchids and flowers, working the land, making lei and lauhala, all of which she taught her grandkids to do. Her years of selling lei, flowers and fruits at the Kapa’a Sunshine Market and doing poi days at Waipa brought her many years of happiness. Audrey became involved in the community as a founding member of the Anahola Farmers Association and market, Hawaiian Homes Ahupua‘a, State Council of Hawaiian Affairs (SCHAA), various Hawaiian groups and, most lovingly, her Queen Ka‘ahumanu Kaua‘i Chapter membership and involvement.

For Audrey’s ‘ohana there are so many memories of her tireless energy she put into each and every one of them. She was the village that raised her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her longtime and lasting words of wisdom: “Just do your best, and that’s all you can do.”

Audrey requested to be cremated, then interred alongside her husband and fourth baby at the National Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl on O‘ahu. She will also be celebrated by friends and family at the waterfront of Aloha Tower, Honolulu, Beach House on Wednesday, March 1, 6 p.m.

If you would like to come and wala‘au or celebrate our beloved Audrey on Kaua‘i, please visit her family at her Anahola farm on Sunday, Feb. 26, between 2 and 4 p.m. She will be departing the island the next day.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the Loo ‘ohana requests that any donations be made out to Kaua‘i Hospice or Kaua‘i’s Alzheimer chapter.

Hannah Pakaka Ka‘iwi Noblisse

Hannah Pakaka Ka‘iwi Noblisse passed away on Aug. 4, 2022, at the age of 79.

She was born on Feb. 13, 1943, in Ko‘olaupoko, O‘ahu. She worked as a security manager at Lihu‘e Airport.

She was preceded in death by mother Hannah Racoma (Kapule), father David Kealoha,

sister Hirene (Racoma) Chase, and brothers Peter Kealoha, John Kealoha and David Kealoha Jr.

She is survived by daughters Jacqueline (Hoskins) Ornellas, Christina (Hoskins) Aqui, Tonya (Hoskins) and Benny Lagmay, Ronnessa (Noblisse) and Lopaka Searle Jr., and Joy (Noblisse Kawamura) and Ryan Hardwick, sisters Marta Moniz and Mary Blackstad, brother William Racoma Jr., 20 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life is Saturday, Feb. 18, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary. Visitation is from 9 to 11 a.m. with a pa‘ina to follow at Anahola Hawaiian Homes clubhouse from noon to 4 p.m.

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

Joseph A. Kona

Joseph A. Kona, of Waimea, died at Queen’s North Community Hospital on Dec. 30, 2022, at the age of 71. Born in Waimea on June 18, 1951, he was employed by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and transferred to Koke‘e State Park as a supervisor (retired), and then worked for the Kaua‘i Invasive Species Committee.

He was preceded in death by his father Alfred P. Kona, mother Anna Mae Kona, and brother Wallis W. Kona.

He is survived by wife Margaret (Agit) Kona of Waimea, daughters Tiffany (Richard) Ruiz of Waimea and Talia (Ronson) Arakaki of Kekaha, sons John (Jodie) Aguon-Kona of Hanapepe Heights and Joseph (Melissa) Aguon-Kona of Lawa‘i, grandchildren Java Aguon-Kona, Wyatt Ruiz, Layne Kanoa, Johnna Kona, Josiah Aguon-Kona, Kaili Arakaki, Hunter Arakaki, Jolee Aguon-Kona, Peyton Arakaki, Mehana Kona, Makana Kona and Kelson Arakaki, great-granddaughter Hali‘a Apo-Kona, sisters Joann (Roy) Borja of Waimea, Rose Marie Poirier of Maurice, Louisiana and Theresa Manatad of Hanapepe, and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunties and uncles.

Family and friends may join the family in a celebration of life on Saturday, Feb. 18, at Lucy Wright Park in Waimea, from noon to 5 p.m.

Masato Hori

On Jan. 14, 2023, Masato Hori passed away peacefully at home into God’s graces. He was 94 years old, born on Nov. 10, 1928 in Waimea. He was a retired construction supervisor and park ranger for the state of Hawai‘i, serving the Westside of Koke‘e to Hanalei (Kalalau).

He was preceded in death by wife Asako Hori, parents Kyusaku and Gin Hori, son Wayne and his wife Janice Hori, brother James Hori, sisters Janet Nii and Harriet Inouye, and son-in-law Kenneth Torigoe.

He is survived by daughters Cynthia (Ronald) Terry of Kalaheo and Karen Torigoe of Lihu‘e, son Clyde (Norma) Hori of Kalaheo, grandchildren Ryan (Mandi) Terry, Stacy (Dustin) Cremer, Kimberly and Kellie Torigoe, Kristy (Kelly) Hadama, Titus Hori and MacWayne Hori, and great-grandchildren Kylie Terry, Kelson and Kayden Hadama.

A private celebration of life service will be held. Burial services will follow at Kalapaki Bay Memorial Park. The family requests no koden (monetary donations).

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

Veronica ‘Veron’ Alayvilla

On Monday, Jan. 30, 2023, Veronica “Veron” Alayvilla, loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully in her home. She was born on Jan. 13, 1931, in San Juan (Lapog), Ilocos Sur, Philippines and passed away at 92 years old.

She was preceded in passing by her loving husband of 71 years, Ernesto Alayvilla, sons Daniel and Danny Alayvilla, daughter Milagros Alayvilla, father Basilio Valmoja, mother Albina Gorospe Valmoja, brothers David, Lucio, Francisco and Porferio Valmoja, and sisters Guadalupe Bugarin and Josefa Hidalgo.

She is survived by children Regina (Chris) Schenck, Fely (Roger) Akama, Alfonso (Belinda) Alayvilla, Eddie (Mares) Alayvilla and Mila (Kyle) Cremer, 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life is Thursday, Feb. 16, at Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation begins at 8 a.m., funeral Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.

Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Josephine Machado Ornellas

Josephine Machado Ornellas, of Kapa‘a, passed away at her home on Jan. 25, 2023 at the age of 91. She was a homemaker, a seasonal employee at Hawaiian Fruit Packers Cannery, and a florist at Wailua Marina and Flowers and Joy.

She was preceded in death by husband Louis Ornellas, son Bernard Ornellas Sr., parents Frank and Nieves Machado, and sisters Beatrice Dias and Eleanor Garcia.

She is survived by daughter Linda (Henry) Kaialoa, son Jerry (Myra) Ornellas, Sharon Ornellas, daughter-in-law Diane Ornellas Okuno, grandchildren Bernard Ornellas Jr. of Kapa‘a, Brent James and Meghan Ornellas, both of Kapa‘a, Andrew (Jennifer) Boring of California, Sage Ornellas, Leah (Craig Freels) Ornellas and Tiffany (Humphrey Hernandez Jr.) Ornellas, all of Kapa‘a, Nadine Ornellas of Waimea, Parish (Michelle) Melendez of Texas and Randall (Shila) Melendez of Idaho, great-grandchildren Ashley, Brandon and Bella Melendez, Devon Andrews, Danya Augustin Melendez, Kai and Malia Takehana Boring, Charlotte, Theodore and Benjamin Freels and Leila and Nolan Hernadez, great-great-grandchildren Taj, Arin and Jax Kaneakuna, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

We will all miss her warm smile and gentle nature.

Private services will be held.

Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary and St. Catherine Church are assisting the family with arrangements.

Reiko Saiki

Reiko Saiki born on Dec. 14, 1930 in Wailaua, O‘ahu passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Feb. 3, 2023. She retired from Ala Moana Bowl Fountain in 1982 and Aloha Airlines in 1999, and was an active member of Faith Christian Fellowship and Lihu‘e Senior Center.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sadamu Saiki, parents Kensuke and Chiyo Toyama and brother Toshio Toyama.

She is survived by children Raleen (Raymond) Pascua, Nolan (Mary Jane) Omi and Leesha (Edward) Kawamura, all of Kaua‘i, grandchildren Dr. Kailene (Melvin) Oliveros of O‘ahu, Tara (Dr. Matthew) Ishiki of California, Hailee Omi of Kaua‘i, great-grandchildren Maika Oliveros, Emi Oliveros and Kanani Oliveros, all of O‘ahu, sisters Fukiko Hamamoto of Oregon, Elizabeth Solodyna of Nevada and brother Kenji Toyama of Oregon.

Special thank you to Pastor Larry Matsuwaki, Kaua‘i Hospice and Dr. Michael Braun.

Private scattering of ashes will be held. The family graciously declines koden.

Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

George Tsukamoto

George Tsukamoto, 78, of Kapa‘a, passed away on Feb. 3, 2023. He was born in Honolulu on July 24, 1944. After graduating from Kaua‘i High School he served four years in the Navy as an engineman 3rd class petty officer, stationed at AC Division Twelve at San Diego, and was deployed throughout the Western Pacific, Japan, Okinawa, Philippines and Vietnam. He was a district council 50 union member, and in 1987 he founded Garden Isle Painting Company.

He was preceded in death by parents Takeshi and Chiyoko Tsukamoto, wife Sandra Tsukamoto and daughter Dawn Tsukamoto.

He is survived by the love of his life of 19 years, Puanani Carvalho, sons George (Rie) Thomas Tsukamoto of Kapa‘a and Makana Carvalho of O‘ahu, daughters Jadelyn (Jeff) Eaton of Oregon, LaVerne (Wendell) Packard of Kapa‘a and Leilani (Nick) Seau of Anahola, grandchildren Taylor Tsukamoto, Chance (Madison) Tsukamoto, Keoki Tsukamoto, Kamaile Packard, Kalehua Packard, No‘eau Seau, Kaie‘ie “Tita” Seau, Na‘alehu “Bulla” Seau, great-grandchild Hadley Tsukamoto, sister Lily (Yuki) Higa of ‘Aie‘a, and brother Arthur (Cherie) Tsukamoto of Honolulu.

A service is Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. and services at 10 a.m. The family suggests casual attire.

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

Kay Kiyoko Kato

Kay Kiyoko Kato passed away on Jan. 27, 2023 in Hanapepe at the age of 90.

She was born on March 13, 1932 in Japan. She was a housewife.

She was preceded in death by husband Robert S. Kato and son Lance S. Kato.

She is survived by sons Blaine (Lorraine) Kato of O‘ahu and Glenn (Kehau) Kato of Kaua‘i, daughters June (Jeffrey) Ikeda of Hilo and Laverne (Umesh) Gheewala of California, 16 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

A service is Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Garden Island Mortuary, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and services at 11 a.m.

The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers be omitted.

Garden Island Mortuary if assisting the family with arrangements.