Obituaries for Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Raynette Jean Texeira
Raynette Jean Texeira
Raynette Jean Texeira, 71, of Lihue, passed away at Waimea Care Home on Feb. 4, 2025. She was born in Lihue, Kauai, on Sept. 26, 1953, and retired as a cook with Keoki’s Restaurant. She was an All-Star pitcher known for her fast ball pitching with numerous wahine leagues and later on becoming a coach.
Preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Mildred Texeira Jr.
She is survived by her sister Valerie Sekimoto of Lihue, brothers Lawrence “Larry” (spouse requested no name printed) Texeira of Lihue, Timothy (Diane) Texeira of Las Vegas, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private family inurnment will be held at Immaculate Conception Church cemetery. A reception for family and friends will follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with refreshments.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Norman Y. Hashisaka
Norman Yukio Hashisaka, beloved husband, dad, papi, grandpa, great grandpa, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many, passed away on Jan. 8, 2025, at 99 years old. Born in Waianae, O‘ahu, and raised on Kaua‘i and O‘ahu, Norman attended Kaua‘i High School and graduated from McKinley High School. He volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Military Intelligence Service, which was later honored with the Congressional Gold Medal for its exceptional service.
Upon returning to Hawaii, Norman met the love of his life, Mabel Kawakami, at the University of Hawaii. They began their life together on the Big Island, where she taught school and he worked for his brother-in-law’s company, Suisan, Inc. They later returned to Kaua‘i, where he served in various capacities within the Kawakami family businesses, eventually becoming president of Big Save, Inc. and Eleele Shopping Center, as well as chairman of N.F. Kawakami Store, Ltd. He also helped found Kaua‘i Kookie and ran the Kaua‘i Laundromats business. He was a lifetime Lions Club member. Norman was a longtime member of his church (Hanapepe United Church of Christ) and was supportive of many other faith communities.
Norman was known for his calm and kind demeanor, and his contributions were many as he served on numerous boards and commissions. He actively assisted with our sister-city relationships. Throughout the decades, he worked tirelessly to promote Kaua‘i and to make both Kaua‘i and Hawaii better places for all.
Norman is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 71 years, Mabel, his children Reid (Marilyn) Hashisaka, Ruth (Clyde Fukuyama) Hashisaka, Ann Hashisaka, his grandchildren David (Brittany) Hashisaka-Peters, Hisa Hashisaka, Justin Akiyoshi, Liam Fukuyama, his great-grandchild Rogue Hashisaka-Peters, his sister-in-law Yukie Murakami, numerous nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces, along with a large and loving extended ‘ohana.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center (3215 Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Highway) in Lihue. Visitation will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m. and lunch afterwards. Burial will take place on Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe at 1 p.m., followed by a gathering at Kaua‘i Kookie in Kalaheo.
Miles Martinez
Miles Martinez, of Kilauea, passed away on Feb. 23, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born on May 11, 1955, in Honolulu. He was retired and self-employed.
He was preceded in passing by his daughter Jacklyn Martinez, brother Michael Martinez, and parents Moses Cruz and Dorothy Martinez.
He is survived by son Joseph (Joe) Martinez, sisters Faith Nakazawa of Kilauea and Regina Hoverson of California, four granddaughters Kiana Kawaihalau Ledward, Selah and Shaezlyn Taeza, and Ella Martinez, one great-granddaughter Kaili Reign, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Also a very special thank you to a wonderful friend who helped him and was there for him for advice, guidance, assistant help, support, care, and love. Terri Yadao was his HMSA Nurse, coordinator, nurse and dear friend. And also to Tom Strom who was also his HMSA coordinator, nurse and dear friend. And to Dr. Jon Allen and nurse Joann at North Shore Medical Center in Kilauea. Dr. Jay Murphy and staff at Wilcox Medical Center. Last but not least a special thanks to Karen, Rob, Tony, Ricky, Tommy, Ann, Pat, Joel, Mike O., Kevin, and all of Miles special friends too many to mention, for all their help, advice, friendship, and love.
Services will be held at Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, and burial to follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens. The family requests casual attire.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Neil Balilea Fagarang
Neil Balilea Fagarang passed away on Feb. 10, 2025, at the age of 55. He was born on Aug. 4, 1969, in Badoc, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He was a propane tanker truck driver at Hawai’i Gas (Kauai).
He is survived by wife Desiree “Sissy” Ana Fagarang, daughters Alannah (Leo) Texeira, Tia Fagarang, son Kahale (Kirstie) Fagarang, brothers Elmer “Bala” Balilea, Charlie (Mona) Balilea, sisters Gloria (Sandy) Tomacder, Eden (Tom) Vallatini, parents Federico and Felicitas Fagarang, grandchildren Skylyn Fagarang, Samantha Fagarang, Kingston Fagarang, Kaveah Fagarang, Lei’a Texeira, Trinity Texeira, Kiane Fagarang, Kalawai’a Fagarang-Sunn, Kaizi Fagarang, Luke Fagarang-Sunn and Kylee Fagarang-Sunn.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Nawiliwili Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Borthwick Kauai Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
James Tsutomu Sakai
James Tsutomu Sakai, 82, of Kalaheo, was born on Feb. 1, 1943, and passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he resided with his son Darin, daughter-in-law Natasha, and granddaughter Reve since July. He enjoyed watching sports, eating good food, visiting Kauai friends at the California Hotel, and keeping the cats entertained.
James joined the U.S. Army immediately after high school. His career in the hospitality industry began humbly as a busboy at Kauai Surf, where he worked his way up to become a Food and Beverage Manager. In the early ’70s, he moved to Maui to manage food and beverage at the Maui Surf Hotel. When that establishment closed, he took on the same role at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel. In the early ’90s, he returned to his home island of Kauai, where he later worked in security at the Hyatt Regency until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his wife Sarah Elizabeth Sakai, brothers Douglas Masayuki Sakai and William Teruo Sakai.
James is survived by his sons Darin (Natasha) of Las Vegas, Timothy Urquhart of Oahu, daughter Suzanne Sakai-Ajimine (Jonathan) of Kalaheo, grandson Isaac Dumlao of Bellingham, Washington, granddaughters Reve Ferraro, Jessica Ferraro, nephew William Sakai Jr. (Samantha) and niece Amy Rita (Greg).
Services will be held at the Kauai Veterans Cemetery on Saturday, March 22 at 9 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice in James’s memory.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Pernella Patricia Duarte Beardsley
Pernella Patricia Duarte Beardsley, formerly Soares, passed away on March 26, 2024, in Henderson, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and dedication to her family.
She was born on May 20, 1961, on the island of Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i, to Ronald “Skippy” Duarte and Patricia “Patsy” Duarte.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Ryan and Darrick Duarte.
She is survived by her husband Sean Beardsley, four children Michelle Duarte, Ranelle (Francis) Kaawa, Jesse (Maile) Soares Jr., Justin Soares, nine grandchildren Quiana Duarte, Chasen Alayvilla, Jazlyn Rivers, Darrick Willis, Keali‘imalu Kaawa, Shaylynn Soares, Isaiah Soares, Taimanu Soares-Chong, Taimana Soares-Chong, sister Elizabeth (Jimmy) Duarte, brothers Ronald (Marleen) Duarte Jr., Caesar (Vanessa) Duarte, and many loving nieces and nephews.
A service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo, Kaua‘i. Visitation will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., with Mass to follow.
Chizue Nishiie Kimura
Chizue Nishiie Kimura, of Honolulu, passed away on Feb. 28, 2025, on Kauai at the age of 97. She was born on May 6, 1927, in Kilauea, Kauai. She was a retired secretary at HMSA Honolulu.
Chizue was preceded in death by her parents Kuhei and Asa Nishiie, husband Tadayoshi Kimura, siblings Kazuma, Masashi, Kenji, Masayoshi, Nora Yamamoto, Aileen Shimomura, Alice, and Edward.
She is survived by sisters-in-law Celia Nishiie of Kilauea, Helen Nishiie of Honolulu, Mae Nishiie of California, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Chizue was beloved by her family and will be missed.
No funeral service will be held in accordance with her wishes.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Juliet Laverne ‘Julie’ Garcia
January 30, 1941 — January 10, 2025
Juliet Laverne “Julie” Garcia, 83, of Anahola, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Jan. 10, 2025, in Anahola, Kauai. She was born on Jan. 30, 1941, and grew up in Hanamaulu. Juliet was beloved and known for her caring and loving nature.
Julie attended and graduated from St. Catherine School in 1954 and a graduate of Kauai High School, Class of 1958. She was among the first employees at the Lihue Dairy Queen Restaurant in 1959 and one of the “old timers” from the Kojima Store in Kapaa, where she worked for 16 years. Julie then became a funeral director at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary, where she retired after 13 years as an assistant embalming technician.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Roslind Garcia, sons Gilbert Jr. (infant), Randy, brothers Andrew (Barbara) Garcia and Standford Garcia.
She is survived by her daughters Holly, Buffy and +1 Amanda, grandchildren Roslyn, Brandie, Kaylan, Alika, Kekoa, Hiilei, Randi, Riley, Hunter (Bubu), Makani, great-grandchildren Po’okela, Pi’ilani, Charis, Haela, sister Loretta (Mama) Kupihea and brother Richard (Barbara) Ebinger.
A celebration of Julie’s life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at St. Catherine Church in Kapaa. Visitation from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Celebration of Life Service/Mass at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow at Kealia Catholic Cemetery. The family requests casual attire and flowers are welcomed.
Julie’s legacy of love will live on, and she will be remembered. Her daughters would like to extend their love and gratitude to their cousin Amanda, Mama and the entire Kupihea Ohana for everything they have done throughout the years going above and beyond with help taking care of Mom till the very end.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Gerald ‘Jerry’ Keller
July 11, 1947 — December 27, 2024
Gerald “Jerry” Keller, age 77, passed away peacefully on Dec. 27, 2024, in his Kapahi home.
Jerry was known throughout the island for his quick wit and ready jokes. No matter the subject, he always had a joke to share.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Southern California, Jerry spent many years in Mammoth Lakes, California, before moving to Kaua‘i in 2005.
Throughout his years on the island, Jerry owned and operated Casa Bianca in downtown Kapa‘a with his son Jason, worked in construction with his brother Randy, a cook and volunteer at St. Catherine’s School, and was a familiar face at the Safeway Kapa‘a bakery.
He is survived by his son Jason Keller, the mother of his granddaughters Jennifer Campbell, his granddaughters Lily and Daisy Keller, his hanai children Carla and Dan, his brothers Randall “Randy” Keller, Ron Kasperson, Jerry Kasperson, his sister Kathie Keller, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and many other beloved family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Jennifer.
An excellent cook, Jerry was famous for his homemade spaghetti. He spent many happy hours at Kealia Beach and enjoyed good company and good tequila.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the large pavilion at Lydgate Beach on Thursday, March 20, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather and share stories of Jerry’s life. His laughter and love will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.
Our ‘ohana would like to thank Kaua‘i Hospice for the comfort and care they provided to Jerry in his last year.
Jaysha Lynn Kami‘inani Hulama
On Feb. 16, 2025, our precious Jaysha Lynn Kami‘inani Hulama gained her angel wings. Born on December 30, 1997, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she brought joy and love to all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her brother Braden Hulama, Nana Judi Spencer, Papa Hoby Van Gieson, and Papa Bush Hulama.
Jaysha leaves behind her parents Tasha and Warren Tavares, and Kanani Hulama, sisters Jayann Hulama, Jadynn Tavares, and Shaelynn Tavares, grandparents Al and Lani Aranio, Linda Funes, and Nova Hulama, great-grandparents Ben and Mary Aranio and Fred Spencer, as well as numerous aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at The Church at Koloa, with visitation starting at 9 a.m. and services commencing at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will follow at the Koloa Neighborhood Center. In honor of Epilepsy Awareness, please wear purple casual attire. Lei and flowers are welcome.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted with her arrangements.
