Obituaries for Sunday, July 18, 2021
Mildred Nakamura
Mildred Nakamura
Mildred Nakamura passed on July 5, 2021, at the age of 88, at Wilcox Medical Center. She was born on Nov. 30, 1932, in Lihu‘e and was a former bank manager with Central Pacific Bank.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents Lumpy and Madeline Nakamura, sisters Madeline Loui and Yurie Leong, brothers Joseph Nakamura, Hidemi Nakamura, Tarao Nakamura and Robert Nakamura.
Mildred is survived by her son Ryan Nakamura of Lihu‘e, grandchildren Kelsie (Juston) Thomas, Kaelyn Nakamura, Mark Nakamura, Nainoa Nakamura, great-grandchildren Ezekiel Apana, Jameson Thomas, Keegan Thomas, Radyn Nakamura, brother Tatsuo Nakamura of Kapa‘a, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family has requested a private service.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Sadao Inazu
Sadao Inazu, 98, was born on July, 18, 1922, in Waimea, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2021, at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital.
Sadao was preceded in death by parents Momotaro and Setsu Inzau, wife Doreen Tomiko Inazu, brothers Kunito Inazu and Toshiaki Inazu, sisters Beatrice Hamada, Fumie Nitta and Momoe Hamada.
Sadao is survived by sister Tomoe Shimatsu, sister-in-law Chiyoko Hashimoto, daughters Claire (Soren) Seaver and Haidee Inazu, grandson Kielland Seaver and great-grandson Oliver Seaver as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.
Sadao retired from Kekaha Sugar Company where he held the positions of Irrigation and Research Supervisor for many years. He was a very prominent and active representative of Kekaha Community Association, Kekaha Federal Credit Union, West Kaua‘i Soil Conservation District and a proud alumnus of Waimea High School Class of 1940. Sadao was known for being an avid fisherman, tennis and volleyball player, opihi picker and loved nothing better than listening to his favorite music and dancing with his wife.
A private service will be held for the immediate family.
Freddie Maximo
Freddie Maximo, 72, of Lihu‘e, passed away on July 7, 2021. He was born in Lihu‘e on Jan. 19, 1949, and was a self-employed accountant.
Freddie was preceded in death by his parents Eliceo and Marcela Maximo, sister Terrisita Maximo and brother Michael Aaron Maximo.
Freddie is survived by sisters Doris Pina, Linda (Eddie) StaAna of Temecula, California, Leona (Sixto) Tagupa of Puhi, Frances Maximo, hanai sister Lisa (Adam Millard) Bernabe, nephew Michael Miranda, nieces Danielle (Tyler) Kluender of California, Brooke Tagupa of Arizona, Jennifer (Eric) Miller of Minnesota, Kelly (Joe) Tagupa of Puhi, grand-nephews Jackson and Logan Kluender of California and grand-nieces, Rita and Eleanor Miller of Minnesota.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 24, 2021, at Immaculate Conception Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with Mass at 10 a.m. Social Distancing and face masks are required.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Carolina ‘Kalena’ Santos
Carolina “Kalena” Santos, 88, of Kekaha, joined the Lord in heaven July 4, 2021, in the comfort of her home, with her loved ones by her side.
She was born to the late Matias Mayo Sr. and Remedios Particio, on Oct. 12, 1932, in Koloa. She graduated from Kaua‘i High School and later became the co-owner of Traveler’s Den Restaurant in 1967 with the love of her life Jeronimo “Jerry” Frank Santos. Jerry would say Carol possesses the sterling qualities he cherished in a woman. Together they traveled the world and effortlessly served their Kekaha community, and the people of Kaua‘i with Carol’s remarkable cooking.
She went on to pursue her passion for sugar art with her renowned elegant cakes and represented the State of Hawai‘i at the Bicentennial Cake Decorating Contest at Monroe, Michigan, where she amazingly won 4th place. Carol later served as an I.C.E.S. director from 1976-1981 and hosted the First International Cake Exploration Society Show in Hawai‘i with Jerry by her side in 1978. Her greatest accomplishment was during the aftermath of Hurricane Iwa when she prepared and served over 9,000 meals free of charge to the residents of Kaua‘i at their Traveler’s Den Restaurant.
Carol was the devoted wife of 76 years to the late Jerry Santos. She is survived by her four children Frank (Gene), Lynn (Robert), Kerry (Michelle), hanai son Edward, grandchildren and great-grandchildren Frankie (Renee), Ariel (Kuulei), Raquel (Andrew), Joshua, Monica (Richard), Jaquelyn (Dre), Kanani (Victoria), Christine, Matthew, Kalei (Gina), Tiare (Maeli), Jayven, Kaedyn, Kiyani, Liann (Gary), Haley, Annalyn, Gary, Qiana, Keala (Brandy), Keara, Prima (Steven), JJ (Bronte), Maliyah, Noah, Khya, Shanelle (Ku’i), Anuhea (Juni), Aleigha, Lawakua, Cullen (Lacy), Galen (Kiana), Lexcy, Kenui, Nakoa, Kayle (Ana), Kayzen, Keegan, Kalehua (Joe), Kaua, Jamie (Brycen), Bryce, Telissa (Kekoa), Mahina, Hulali, great-great grandchildren Kamalu, Kaizo, Nohealani, Faith, Guinevere, George, Samuel, Lennox, Zoe, Isla, Jeremiah, Kysen, Mason, Haven, Peyton, Akela, siblings Donald (Kathy), Patricia (Claybourn), Beverly, numerous family members and dear friends.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents Matias (Edith) and Remedios (Stanley), husband Jerry, granddaughter Raylynn, siblings Matias Jr., Antony, Victoriana, Geraldo, and Miriam Ann.
Carol was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. As she reached her time of passing she would say “I lived a good life…”
Viewing and prayer service will be held at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary, Koloa on Saturday, July 31, 2021, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Burial to follow at Kauai Veterans Cemetery, Hanapepe at 1 p.m.
Susan C. Nilsen
Susan C. Nilsen, of Princeville, passed away at home on July 10, 2021, surrounded by her husband and two children. Susan, born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, passed at the age of 77. Susan was a wonderful wife, mother and friend, avid sailor, cook and volunteer, as well as a retired entrepreneur in the marine hardware industry.
Susan is survived by her husband, Peter, her daughter, Michelle, her son, Christopher, as well as her two sisters Chana and Judy, cousins, nieces and grandchildren.
The family will be holding a private celebration of life at a later date.
Tomiko Yaka Sokei
Tomiko Yaka Sokei was born on Dec. 20, 1922, in Hanama‘ulu, Kaua‘i, and passed away at the age of 98, on June 17, 2021, in her home in Kapa‘a. She was the eldest of eight: Leslie Yaka (deceased), Roy Yaka (deceased), Herbert Yaka, Patrick Yaka, Miyoko Wakayama, Violet Abe, and Dorothy Mahelona.
Tomiko married Elmer Yasuo Sokei in 1945 and moved to Kapa‘a. Elmer and his brothers ran Sokei Dairy in the 1950s-60s, and Tomiko became a dairy farmer’s wife, waking up at the crack of dawn each day. Together, they had six children Garrett (Naomi deceased) Sokei, Greg (Pam) Sokei, Joyce (Jim) Housh, Giles Sokei, Jean (Lyle) Nakamoto, and Joan (Lito) Sokei-Vila. Unfortunately, after 10 years of marriage, Elmer passed away, and Tomiko relied on aunties, uncles, the Sokei grandparents, and her faith to raise six children on the family dairy farm.
As the matriarch of the Sokei family, she will be remembered for her love of reading, traveling, and being the family’s designated sushi and andagi maker. Her legacy will live on through her six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens conducted the arrangements and the family held a private service at All Saints’ Episocpal Church on July 9, 2021. They respectfully request no koden. After being apart for 65 years, both Tomiko and Elmer are now together forever, interned in the Henry Willey Memorial Columbarium at All Saints’.
Laura ‘Lala’ Rene Bigno
Laura “Lala” Rene Bigno’s sunrise was Sept. 24, 1958, in Woodland, California. Her sunset was May 18, 2021, on the Big Island.
Lala was preceded in death by her parents Doyle Redmill and Lois Keith, brother Terry Redmill and grandson Tyler Bigno.
Lala is survived by loving husband Jonathan “Cugita” Bigno, son Keoni, hanai daughters Jackie and Cora, 8 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, sisters Donna Knapp of Arizona, Wendy (Rory) Johnson of Washington and Linda (Rodney) Bargamento of Kaua‘i.
Kanakapila celebration of Lala is on Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Anahola River mouth. The family requests wearing purple, her favorite color.
Lamberto P. Aqui Jr.
Lamberto P. Aqui Jr., 83, of Kapa‘a, passed away at home on April 14, 2020. He was born in Kealia, on Oct. 26, 1936, and owned Lambert’s Appliance Services.
Lamberto was preceded in death by his parents Lamberto Sr. and Francisca Aqui, sister Patricia Tiner, brothers Christopher Aqui, Angel Aqui and granddaughter Tia Alohil‘ani Obrero.
Lamberto is survived by his son Mark (Christine) Aqui, daughters Sandra Aqui, Michelle Lopes, sister Corinne (Blair) Peterson, grandchildren Eric, Ailana, Makana and David Aqui, Brent and Kayli Obrero, Jordan Lee, Kaina Christian, Kelani Griep, Tyler, Bradley, Kapono, Kamaile and Nainoa Lopes, great-grandchildren Noeau Peters-Aqui, Kaya and Kaz Obrero, Mia and Milo Blackstad, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be at Saint Catherine’s Church on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Visitation with the family will begin at 8:30 a.m. with services at 9:30 a.m.
Hatsuyo Shimono Ozaki
Hatsuyo Shimono Ozaki, 92, of Lihu‘e, passed away at the age of 92, on July 4, 2021, on O‘ahu. She was born in ‘Ele‘ele.
Hatsuyo was the co-owner of George’s Jewelers in Lihu‘e.
She is survived by daughter Liane (Aaron) Otake.
The family has requested a private service.
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
George G. Costa Jr.
George G. Costa Jr. passed away on July 6, 2021, at the age of 91. He was born on Feb. 1, 1930, in Honolulu. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired as a Major in the Kaua‘i Police Department.
George was a humble man with many talents that he shared with his sons, their families and friends. He loved his Cummings ‘ohana and was an accomplished musician in his own right. He was also a skilled craftsman, artist and excellent golfer.
He was preceded in death by wife Sunshyne Kahalelehua Rodrigues Costa, parents George G. Sr., Julia Pua’ohi Cummings Kawamura, step-father Louis Garcia, sister Barbara Jean Kealohilani Ellis and brother Albert Dennis Kealoha Costa.
He is survived by wife Gladys Ann Souza Costa, sons George Kapiolehua ‘Dennis’ (Chrystal) Costa of Kapa’a, Byron Willis Kealoha ‘Kaina’ (Jules) Costa of Kapa‘a, Ian Kananiokalani (Wanda) Costa, Evan Kainoa (Lisa) Costa of Kapa’a, step children Wende Shires, Bobby (Trish) Shires Jr., Michelle Shires Poppe, sister Mary Louise Leina’ala De Carlo, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Borthwick Mortuary in Koloa, with viewing and visitation with the family at 8 a.m. with service to follow. Please practice COVID-19 protocols while in attendance of all memorial functions. Seating is limited and social distancing and face masks are required. The family suggests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Burial will be at the Kaua’i Veteran’s Cemetery in Hanapepe following the funeral services.
The family of the late George G. Costa, Jr. would like to extend their sincere mahalo nui loa to everyone who expressed their kind thoughts, sympathy, prayers, support and kokua to make this celebration memorable.
Charleen K. S. Andrade
Charleen K. S. Andrade passed away on June 23, 2021, at Wilcox Medical Center, at the age of 74. She was born on Nov. 13, 1946, in Honolulu.
Charleen was preceded in death by parents Kenneth (Mabel) Andrade and Katherine (Alfred Wolfe) Wong.
Charleen is survived by daughter Shawnita (Leighton Jr.) Cabreira, son Sheldon (Glenda) McDowell, 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, brothers Kenneth (Janet) Andrade Jr., Gary (Kay) Andrade, Charles (Marilyn) McDowell and John (Sandy) McDowell.
Services will be held on Friday, July 23, 2021, at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary. Private family viewing at 10 a.m., public visitation 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., services to follow and burial at Kekaha Public Cemetery
Borthwick Kaua’i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
