KAPA‘A — It was a special day at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, Friday. Not only were Mrs. Hideko Koigawachi’s children all gathered, one of her granddaughters also shared a birthday with the matriarch who is the second-oldest person living
KAPA‘A — It was a special day at the Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, Friday.
Not only were Mrs. Hideko Koigawachi’s children all gathered, one of her granddaughters also shared a birthday with the matriarch who is the second-oldest person living at the long-term care unit.
Josie Pablo, the long term care activities director, said Mr. Morita is the oldest resident at 103, and Koigawachi, who celebrated her 100th birthday Friday, is the second oldest.
“But she’s still sharp,” Pablo said. “A couple of days ago, when we told her about her birthday, she just smiled.”
Growing up near the cannery in Kapa‘a, Koigawachi was surrounded by her three sons and a daughter who came from as far away as California to celebrate her birthday.
They included her brothers Bach (Mildred) and Hideo (Nancy) from California, and sister Yoshie of Hilo. Gordan and Elsie Koigawachi live here and Elsie is a regular volunteer at the hospital, Pablo said.
Pablo said when Koigawachi was admitted six years ago, she loved to crochet, and at one time, was known as the crocheting machine because she was always practicing the craft.
Elsie said Koigawachi came to Mahelona after spending some time at Wilcox.
“It was like she knew,” Elsie said. “On the way to Mahelona, we asked her if she wanted to stop at home for awhile, but she said she wanted to come straight.”
Elsie said they asked if she wanted to offer senko to grandpa, and she said, “I already did that before I left.”
As the family gathered for photos, it was pointed out that Rae Ordinado, a granddaughter from O‘ahu, shared the same birthday as Koigawachi, making the celebration doubly joyous.
Members of the Kapa‘a Senior Center, where Koigawachi was a member for several years, came to the hospital’s auditorium to perform for the occasion.
Clesson Lee, a student at Pacific Lutheran University, was among the well-wishers, offering the birthday girl a cap which he placed on her head in tune with today’s fashion.
“He’s her favorite adopted grandson,” Elsie said.
And the procession of well-wishers continued while the birthday cake and sushi was shared by all.
“She just likes to be called ‘Grandma,’” Pablo said. “Happy birthday, Grandma!”
