Obituaries for Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Wallace Isamu Akutagawa Jr.
Wallace Isamu Akutagawa Jr.
Wallace Isamu Akutagawa Jr. passed away in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Dec. 26, 2023. He was a chef at the Hyatt Regency in Po‘ipu.
He was preceded in death by his parents Wallace I. Akutagawa Sr. and Ethel Kimiko Akutagawa.
He is survived by stepmother Felicidad Perpose Akutagawa, sisters April (James) Oyadomari, Jill Kimie Sadoyama (Bob Zauner), Mabel (Mario) Antonio, halfbrother Abraham Akutagawa, halfsister Mary (Darren) Taiariol, nephews Randy Oyadomari, Jason Oyadomari, Gerry Oyadomari, Eldon (Serena) Oyadomari, Peregrino Antonio, Martin Antonio, Christopher Zauner, grandniece Kiana Oyadomori, grandnephew Makai Oyadomori, half-grandnieces Kaia and Hana Taiariol, and half-grandnephew Cruz Taiariol.
Private service will be held at All Saints Episcopal Church in Kapaa.
Josephine Cortezan Duvauchelle
Josephine “Jo” Cortezan Duvauchelle, passed away peacefully at her home on Jan. 23, 2024, at the age of 96. Born on April 6, 1927 in Koloa, Hawai‘i, to Catalino Colorje Cortezan and Josefina Abaya Cortezan, Jo’s journey was one filled with love, family, and a spirit that touched all who knew her.
Jo received her baccalaureate in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati in 1951. She returned to Kaua‘i in 1952 and was a Public Health Nurse serving the Puhi and Hanama‘ulu districts for several years. In 1969, she became a Nursing Instructor at Kaua‘i Community College. Her expertise, compassion, and dedication played a vital role in the development and start up of the college’s esteemed nursing program, leaving a lasting impact on her students, community and patients. Jo received her Master of Science, Nursing, from the University of Hawai‘i in 1982. She retired as the Director of Nursing at Kaua‘i Community College in 1989. In 2014 she was honored as one of the “University of Hawai‘i Community Colleges’ 50 Finest.” Jo belonged to and served in several community and professional organizations, foundations and boards.
Predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond Pihaleo Duvauchelle.
Jo leaves cherished memories for her children Raymond Duvauchelle (Cathy), Douglas Duvauchelle (Jeanette), JoRae Baptiste (Rodney), Sheryl Ramos (Cedric), ten grandchildren Tiffany Marrote (Kimo), Mark Ruiz (Trisha), Kaulana Baptiste (Bethany), Ian Baptiste, Krystina Baptiste (Alex), Joshua Duvauchelle (Seth), Kelsey Duvauchelle (Kamen), Spencer Duvauchelle (Maddy), Kamuela Duvauchelle, Logan Baptiste, six great-grandchildren Carmela, Ezra, Jaxson, Jasper, Cannon and Kooper.
She is also survived by her sister Mary Alice “Mamie” Powelson and cousins Millie Wellington, Jeannie Odo, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Jo and Raymond proudly honored their family’s values and wisdom through their long standing membership with Koloa Union Church.
Join us in celebrating her life on March 2, 2024, at Koloa Union Church. The family will greet guests starting at 9:30 a.m. followed by a service at 10:30 a.m.
William ‘Bill’ Chiu Sun Lee
William ‘Bill’ Chiu Sun Lee, died peacefully on Jan. 18, 2024 in Kuakini Hospital, Honolulu at the age of 92. He was born on April 23, 1931 in Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
He is survived by son Brian (Linh) Lee of Kailua-Kona, daughters Cheryl Lee (Kenneth) Kubota of Kapa‘a, Kaua‘i, Lenore (Curtis) Lau, nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, sister Betty Young, girlfriend Thi ‘Judy’ Ke, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Feb. 23, at Borthwick Mortuary, Mauka Chapel, 1330 Maunakea St., Honolulu. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m. Burial at Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe, Hawai‘i.
Betty B. Parraga
Betty B. Parraga passed away on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at the age of 91. She was born on Nov. 2, 1932, in Waimea, Kaua‘i. She was a Head Custodian at the Kalaheo Elementary School.
She was preceded in death by parents Marcelino and Apolonia Ceballos, husband Antone Parraga Jr., brothers Francisco Ceballos, Lorenzo Ceballos, Clemente Ceballos and sister Sally Edayan.
She is survived by son Anthony “Bully” (Rachelle) Parraga Sr. of Lihu‘e, daughters Antonette Parraga of Koloa, Tina (Larry) Yadao of Kalaheo, Trinette (Wesley) Kaui of Wailua, Elise (Corey) Silva of Kalaheo, grandchildren Kainoa Fernandes, Cherisse (David) Medeiros, Tiffany (Kalani) Salazar, LJ (Whitney) Yadao, Anthony “Tony Boy” (Tita Kapuniai) Parraga Jr., Joshua Parraga, Larissa (Jacob) Brun, Thomas Parraga, Kale Kaui, Kawika (Rachel) Kaui, Coryssa Silva, Casera Silva, 17 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law Helen Ceballos of Waimea, Marie Ceballos of Kekaha, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary. Visitation is from 1 to 3 p.m., with funeral services to begin at 3 p.m. Burial services to be held at a later date.
The family suggests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Michael Todd Martin
Michael Todd Martin, 62, of Anahola, Kaua‘i passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 25, 2024.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Iwalani Pa Martin, mother Darlene Pa, children Kau‘i (Melvin) Aki, Bolo (Lia) Marshall, Mokihana (Samiuela) Kauvaka, Keikilani (Mapuana) Pa, Troy (Chantel) Pa, grandchildren Joshua (Garrett), Maile (Elijah), Kanoe (Demetrio), Ekolu, SelaLei, Mino‘aka, Ema, Eryn, Lele, Kamuela, Siosiana, Sekope, Samiuela, Nahe, Julia, Saimone, Mililani, Makana, Nainoa, Lavinia, Sean, Kaylen, Dean Jordan, Courtney, Kamalei, Keani, Bulla, great-grandchildren Elianna, Aleyhna Gouveia, Ulu Puppy, brothers Derwin (Julie) Kunewa, Matthew (Rhonda) Martin, David Martin, Kai Martin, Robert Pa, Sam Pa, Kane (Anela) Pa, Mitchell (Kim) Pa, Shilo (Bernie) Pa, sisters Iraina Martin and Angelina (Lealiki) Koli.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Jolene Kehaulani Martin, father Sam Pa, father Frank “Palani” Martin, mother MaryAnn Kunewa, brothers Frank Martin, Joey Martin, sister Lehua Laban and Keala Pa.
Visitation and Service will be held Feb. 23, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Kapa‘a from 9 to 11 a.m. Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Alfonso Calvan Sagucio
Alfonso Calvan Sagucio passed away on Jan. 31, 2024, in Waimea at the age 81. He was born on Oct. 25, 1942, in the Lunao, Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He was a mill engine operator at Olekele Sugar Plantation.
He was preceded in death by parents Pedro and Catalina Sagucio and brother Inocencio Sagucio.
He is survived by wife Leticia Sagucio, sons Armando Sagucio, Allison “AL” (Lani Butac) Sagucio, Lance (Cristina) Sagucio, Ernesto (Lyn) Calvan, daughter Amalia (Bailon) Batalion, eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and brother Nemesio Sagucio.
Friends may visit the family on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary in Koloa. Visitation begins at 6:30 p.m. and service at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kalaheo. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m., Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m., and burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Contrado Acierto
Contrado Acierto passed away on Jan. 31, 2024, at home in Kapa‘a at the age of 84. He was born on March 25, 1939, in Koloa. He served in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard and was a supervisor at Tower Construction on O‘ahu.
He was preceded in death by parents Jose and Faustina Acierto, wife Helena Dabin Acierto, brothers Benjamin Acierto, Alfredo Acierto, sister Lazara Laboguen, son Allen “Moose” Lopez, grandson Anthony Waipa, granddaughter Juliana Lopez and great- granddaughter Deysha Machado.
He is survived by daughters Esther (Raynard) Machado, Bernadette “Bernie” (Shilo) Pa, sons Edmund “Eddie” (Kim) Acierto, Martin “Ali” Birtodaso, Garrick Lopez, Ronald (Jeanette) Lopez, Frederick “Joe” (Lihue) Lopez, Kathlyn Christian, Melissa Dabin, sisters Gloria (Larry-deceased) Rivera, Mary (Richard-deceased) Link, 32 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life is Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 2838 Kealia Road in Kealia beginning at 8 a.m. Inurnment will follow at St. Catherine Church Cemetery.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Llewellyn ‘Blondie’ Makaikiu Woodward
Llewellyn “Blondie” Makaikiu Woodward, 72, of Anahola, passed away at home on Jan. 17, 2024. He was born in ‘Anini, Kaua‘i on Oct. 24, 1951.
Preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Edith Woodward, brothers Samuel, Stanley, Dayne (Dolly-dec) and sister Heather Hokulani Woodward.
Llewellyn is survived by his wife Nadine Woodward, children Llewellyn “Pake” (Laralei Kamele) Woodward, Leslie (Einei) Woodward, Leighann “Kanoe” (Leeroy “Makaiwa”) Gunn, grandchildren Llewellyn “Makaikiu”, Cephas, Jodi, Moses, Wyatt, Memphis, Hanai, Soldier, Jacob, Kainoa, brothers Hayden (Jackie) Woodward, Darriel (Iris-dec) Woodward, sister Celeste (Ted-dec.) Castillo, sister-in-law Margaret Woodward, loved by numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024 at 4105 Mahuahua Rd., Anahola, with visitation from 10 a.m. and services beginning at 11 a.m. Pa‘ina to follow.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
