Andrea Asuncion Sagisi, 70, one of five founding members of the Catholic Daughters of America in Hawai’i, died Thursday, Jan. 23, at The Queen’s Medical Center on O’ahu, from complications following a stroke.
In November, the former Puhi resident was honored as one of the charter members of Court Malia Hemolele #2044, the statewide chapter of the Catholic Daughters of America, which she helped found in 1973.
Nationwide, the Catholic Daughters of America have 150,000 members.
“Andrea was truly a saint, and her contributions to the Kaua’i community will truly be missed,” said Maxine Correa, Kaua’i regent for the state court. “She was such a good friend of mine,” said Correa, a former member of the Kaua’i County Council.
Court members will participate in the funeral service, set for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Immaculate Conception Church in Kapaia.
Sagisi was also an active leader in the Filipino community on Kaua’i and in Hawai’i. Born Nov. 30, 1932, Sagisi was at one time the wife of the late Mayor Sabas Sagisi of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
“My mom was a classy first lady,” said Sandra Sagisi, the only child and an award-winning television news person now working for a major Honolulu advertising and public relations firm.
“She carried herself with great dignity and pride, was extremely generous to friends and strangers, and was loved and adored by the many people she came in contact with,” said Sandra Sagisi.
Andrea Sagisi was a retired employee of American Security Bank, First Interstate Bank, and First Hawaiian Bank, all in Lihu’e. At American Security Bank, she consistently was a top statewide producer of Christmas savings accounts.
“My mom had a competitive edge, but she was always humble, never quick to anger,” said Sandra Sagisi.
Andrea Sagisi served on the board of governors for the United Filipino Community Council of Hawaii, and held leadership positions with the Kauai Filipino Community Council, Kauai Filipino Women’s Club, Miss Kauai Filipina Pageant, and other organizations and events.
She was a member of several singing groups, including the Kauai Chorale, Sampaguita Chorale, Immaculate Conception Choir, and most recently recorded a CD with the Honolulu Tabernacle Choir.
She is survived by daughter Sandra Sagisi, son-in-law Kendall Moser, granddaughter Ashley Moser, all of Hawaii Kai; brother Miguel Asuncion, sister-in-law Carol Asuncion, niece Charise Asuncion, nephew Marc Asuncion; and ex-husband Ricarte Tumacder of Hanama’ulu.
O’ahu services are set for 5:30 p.m. this Friday, Jan. 31, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hawaii Kai Ward.
The Kaua’i services include the wake at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3, at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa’i.
Viewing is at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, followed by a funeral mass at 10 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Church in Kapaia. Burial will follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.
