Michael Miyuki Cardinez
Michael Miyuki Cardinez, known for his ready smile and servant heart, peacefully left for Paradise on Feb. 28, 2024. He was an active member in the Kaua‘i Church of Christ, Lihu‘e. Michael was born in Waimea, Kaua‘i, on Aug. 13, 1949. He served in the United States Navy for four years before becoming a Radar Technician at Makaha Ridge, Koke‘e from where he retired.
Michael was preceded in passing by his father Steven Cardinez, mother Evelyn (Oyakawa) Estrada, brother Ronald Cardinez, sister Lydia Castillo, brother-in-law David Banquel and the mother of his children, Monda Haney.
He is survived by his brothers Clarence (Carmen) Cardinez of California, Manolo (Ces) Delos Reyes of Kaumakani, James (Angela) Delos Reyes of Kaumakani, Steven (Karen) Cardinez of Florida, Alex (Shari) Cardinez of California and sisters Frances Bunao of Lihu‘e, Carol (Burt) Gonsalves of California, Alicia Estrada of Hanama‘ulu, Celia Marie Mancia of Oregon, Nelda Banquel of Hanapepe and his stepmother Evelyn “Nana” Cardinez of Kaumakani (who sadly passed on March 14, 2024).
Michael also leaves behind his children Kalei (Alden) Cardinez of Hanama‘ulu, Kananiokala (Harvey) Makekau of Hanama‘ulu, Mikey (Carolan) Cardinez of Kapa‘a and TC (Andrea) Cardinez of Wailua. He will remain a constant guide to his beloved grandchildren Cobie Cardinez, Megan Rego, Keona Nakamura, Kaiona Nakamura, Ricky Rego, Nainoa Cardinez, Auree Cardinez, Daniel Makekau & Sherilyn Makekau as well as his most precious great grandchildren Taiden Cardinez, Tia Cardinez, Kawehi Rego, Kamailelauli‘i Yap and his grand pups Hale, Nani, Pepe, Mali‘e, Li‘i, Hema and Lilo. Michael is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall, starting at 11:30 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers. Please come, talk story and enjoy heavy pupu and desserts with his ‘Ohana.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the ‘Ohana with arrangements.
Brenda Joy Duncan
Brenda Joy Duncan was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on May 28, 1952, to Dorothy and Rayford Keen. She passed May 31, 2023, in Spokane, Washington.
As the oldest of six siblings, Brenda took on the motherly role and cared for her siblings. The family moved many times due to her father’s duty stations during his career with the United States Coast Guard. They eventually settled in Vancleave, Mississippi, where her father started his second career as a mail carrier.
Brenda graduated from high school in Vancleave, Mississippi, and followed in her father’s footsteps and started working at the post office. She worked first as a mail carrier then as a postal manager. She was the first female postal manager in Tylertown, Mississippi.
Brenda married Robert “Bobby” “Duncan” in 1976. They were together for 37 years and had a daughter, Eva. They separated in 2013 and Brenda never remarried.
After 34 years with the USPS, Brenda retired and started working at an academy in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, for troubled youth. She then moved to Hawai‘i and volunteered with hospice and the suicide hotline. She became a certified healing practitioner and loved her crystals, sound bowls, drum and was working to heal herself and others.
Brenda enjoyed music and dancing. She loved Arabian horses and Pomeranians. Brenda was an adventurous fun soul that loved to travel. She lived in several areas in Mississippi as well as John Day, Oregon, Walla Walla, Washington, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Kapa‘a, Hawai‘i, and lastly Spokane, Washington.
Brenda is greatly missed. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Myrna Loy. She is survived by her daughter, brothers and sister, two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.
A celebration of life was held in Mississippi. In honor of Brenda, may we all seek to find more joy in our days and share it with everyone we meet. Donations in Brenda’s memory can be made to the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery https://www.vanessabehan.org
