Diane ‘Deedee’ Castillo Ward
Deedee Ward, 72, of Vacaville and Elk Grove, California, passed away on Nov. 27, 2023. She was born in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, on Sept. 23, 1951, her family roots are in Kapa‘a, Hawai‘i.
She was preceded in death by her parents Wallace and Norma Castillo, two siblings Terri Castillo, Stephanie Castillo and cousin Sharol Castillo whom Deedee was caregiver to.
Deedee is lovingly survived by her husband Ivan of 52 years, daughters Brandi “Kiane” (Jorge) Reyes, Mahana (Jacob) Garcia and Tiana (Nataka) Ward-Jenkins. She was beloved by her sisters Zenaida (Richard) Sawyer, Leslie (Garrett) Scales, Patricia (Clifford) Furtado and Joanne (Peter) Brun. She had 13 grandchildren, 1 ½ great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is also survived by her hanai children Leilani Barbadillo and Juan Desmarias.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held in Vacaville, California, on Jan. 13, 2024, with a scattering of ashes in the San Francisco Bay. Her heart’s desire was to return home to Kaua‘i. Lord willing, a celebration on Kaua‘i will be held.
Deedee was known for her sweet, quiet and gentle spirit and always prayerful. She had an unwavering faith in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with whom she now resides in His loving arms in eternal heaven. She was a beautiful wife, mother, grand-mother, sister and friend. She lovingly cared for others in their need and would take them into her heart and home. She lived life well, full of humble service, unconditional love and steadfast hope.
Georgia E. Kakuda
Georgia E. Kakuda, 79, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunty, and loyal friend passed away on July 22, 2023, in Spokane, Washington. She was born on May 12, 1944, on Kaua‘i.
She was preceded in death by her parents Sadao and Masayo Kakuda, her sister and brother-in-law June and Jim Nakagawa.
She is survived by her son Blaine (Chantel) Kakuda, grandsons Dylan and Caleb Kakuda and sister Rae (Ryan) Nishikawa.
A private celebration of life was held.
Steven Mitsuo Saiki
Steven Mitsuo Saiki, of ‘Ele‘ele, passed away on Dec. 12, 2023, at home at the age of 79. He was born on Jan. 9, 1944, in ‘Ele‘ele. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired teacher of Waimea High School.
He was preceded in death by daughter Renee Aiko Saiki and parents Nobuo and Toyoko Saiki.
He is survived by wife Elaine Saiki, son Ryan Saiki of ‘Ele‘ele, daughter Lani Saiki-Woods (Matthew) of Lihu‘e, grandchildren Riley Saiki, Maya Saiki, Cayden Woods, brothers Gerald Saiki (Pam) of O‘ahu, Russell Saiki (Dale) of O‘ahu, Bert (Lita) Saiki of ‘Ele‘ele, sister Gayle Cuizon of Oma‘o, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A public visitation will be held on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at the West Kaua‘i Hongwanji Mission in Hanapepe from 9 to 10 a.m. A private service for the family only will follow at 10 a.m. The family suggests casual attire and requests no flowers or koden (monetary gifts).
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Editha Caletena-Galamay
Editha Caletena-Galamay, 79, of Las Vegas, Nevada, passed away on Aug. 8, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born on May 24, 1944, in Nueva Ecija, Cuyapo, Philippines. She was a hotel room attendant and hair stylist.
She was preceded in death by parents Francisco and Flordeliza Umipig, brother Manuel Umipig and husband Celestino “Bitong” Samiano Caletena.
She is survived by husband Leo Flores Galamay, daughter Eliza “Lisa” Kobayashi, stepdaughter Jeannet (Joseph) Samiano Palacpac, grandchildren Jaycie Kobayashi, Sean Kobayashi, Kody Kobayashi and Sienna Caletena-Buehler.
A service is Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lihu‘e. Visitation is from 8 to 9:30 a.m., service at 10 a.m., and burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery. The family requests casual attire.
