Obituaries for Sunday, November 14, 2021

Joseph ‘Joe’ James Sugai

Joe Sugai, 73, of Anahola, passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, at his home surrounded by family and friends. He was born on Kaua‘i on April 19, 1948, and retired as a irrigation supervisor for the Lihu‘e Plantation.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Marion Sugai, brother Stanford Sugai, father in-law Fred Aki Sr., brother in-law Doug Kaeo, brother in-law Fred Aki Jr, nephew Dougie Boy Kaeo and niece Stacey Kelekoma.

Joseph is survived by his wife Melissia Sugai, daughters Maile (Alika) Masada, Marla (Pomai) Cockett, Ana (Mindy) Hoomanawanui-Sugai, Joeddy (Brad) Aki-Sugai, Nohi (Jessie) Pia-Sugai, Kapua (Bryson) Sugai-Salvador, sisters Bernie Kaeo, Judy (Pat) Kelekoma, step-mother Dora Sugai, grandchildren RJ Masada, Kala‘e Masada, Treavor Cockett, Kensi Cockett, Bryden Sugai-Salvador, Tee Sugai-Salvador, La‘e Sugai-Salvador, Kiyomi Sugai, Kaeo Contrades (Hanai), great-grandchild Chevy Masada and numerous other relatives.

Joe was born and raised in Kealia, attended St. Catherines School then Kapa‘a High School where he graduated. Joe was known to be an awesome football player for Kapa‘a Warriors.

After High School Joe enlisted in the US Army and served in the Vietnam War. After military service Joe returned to Kaua‘i and attended KCC Trade School.

Joe started a family having two girls Maile and Marla. In 1982 Joe met Melissia and had two daughters Ana and Joeddy, then he married Melissia in 1987 having two more daughters Nohi and Kapua raising their family in their home in Anahola.

He worked for Lihu‘e Plantation 30 years and retired as a Irrigation Supervisor. Working in the plantation Joe gained knowledge operating all the waterways from Lihu‘e to Anahola. After leaving the plantation, he was employed with Paradise Ranch as a Ranch Foreman and a Grounds Supervisor. Joe was a lifelong rancher and cowboy who learned from his uncles Willy and Manuel Ornellas. He got back into the Rodeo and started teaching his daughters the sport he loved and supported them. Joe looked forward to going to rodeos and seeing friends and talking story. As his children got older, he looked forward traveling to Maui and spending his days watching his grandson participate in rodeos and baseball and spending time with his Maui friends.

When he wasn’t traveling he was busy supporting his grandson that he raised on Kaua‘i playing baseball and football. He looked forward to baseball season (like rodeo) so he could see his friends and family and most of all watch his grandson play his heart out. His recent travels was with the Kawaihau Little League All-Stars that his grandson played and traveled to O‘ahu then to Maui for State Finals. He was the well known “PAPA JOE” by the team and loved to hear him cheer. He will definitely be missed at the games by all the families who have come to know and love him.

With a love for Vegas, he was a man who travelled yearly to enjoy his time playing cards and his favorite, Craps. “No Pass” is what his friends knew him as, but no matter what he would not change for anyone.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, at the Kelekoma Pasture. On Kealia Road past the Spaulding Monument towards Anahola. Look for signs. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with services at noon, followed by lunch and music to enjoy and fellowship. Due to COVID-19 social distancing and masks required.

Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sonja Grace Kenerson Kealoha

Sonja Grace Kenerson Kealoha, 79, passed away peacefully with family close at Garden Isle Health Care, in Lihu‘e, on Oct. 24, 2021. She was born on Feb. 12, 1942, in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Sonja moved to Kaua‘i and has resided on the island since 1977. She loved the island, it’s lifestyle and Hawaiian music. Her joy was her work, family and ‘ohana.

She was a cosmetologist and hair stylist back when the Marriott’s Kaua‘i Beach Resort was known as The Westin in Lihu‘e. She studied yoga, taught lessons, wrote poetry and was a talented artist with a gift for doing portraits.

Sonja was also trained in ballet, taught classes, organized recitals, and choreographed all the music and dance, herself. She was a licensed home health aide and compassionately worked with many of Kaua‘i’s elders and the disabled.

She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Sylvia Kenerson of Poipu.

Sonja is survived by her loving husband Francis Kealoha of Lawa‘i, daughter Carlene (Durell) Otlang of Kalaheo, son Erick (Amanda) Haynes Kenerson of Christ Church, New Zealand, sisters Barbara Whittier and Benjamin Lastimosa of Lihu‘e, Patricia Di Bartolomeo and Bob Lane of Koloa, Carol (Dennis) Claussen of Koloa, Audrey Moulton of Hanapepe, grandchildren Timothy and Senja Miyamoto of Kaua‘i, William (Bud) Miyamoto of California, and Megan, Keone, Ethan, and Kelsea Haynes from Christ Church, New Zealand, 9 great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will have a private service at a later date.

Borthwick Kaua’i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Brisen Micah Bermoy

Brisen Micah Bermoy, of Kalaheo, passed away on April 19, 2020, in Koloa, at the age of 36. He was born on May 29, 1983, in Waimea. He was a carpenter by trade and also worked at Bangkok Happy Bowl in Koloa. He was a talented athlete in sports and loved the ocean.

He was preceded in death by adopted parents Henry and Cleo Bermoy.

Brisen is survived by his mother Linda Bermoy, son Brayden Bermoy, brothers Victor (Sami) Samantha Danley, Nash (Jamie) Danley, and River Aguirre, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at the Kukui‘lua Boat Harbor, Koloa, on Nov. 27, 2021, from 10 to 11 a.m. Mahalo nui loa for all the love.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mylene ‘My-My’ Jane Aguinaldo

Mylene “My-My” Jane Aguinaldo, of Kilauea, passed away on Oct. 27, 2021, at Queens Medical Center, O‘ahu at the age of 35. She was born on April 5, 1986, in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She was a bookkeeper for Earthworks Pacific.

Mylene was preceded in death by grandparents Felimon and Felipa Aguinaldo, and mother Thelma Passion Cadiente Aguinaldo.

Mylene is survived by her father Weslie “Amboy” (Lilibeth) Aguinaldo Sr., brothers Reynan Aguinaldo, Jastin Aguinaldo, Joshweih Aguinaldo, Weslie Aguinaldo Jr., all of Kilauea, sisters Lena (Dennis) Bueno, of ‘Ele‘ele, Gwen Aguinaldo of Kilauea, numerous aunties, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may visit the family on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at Saint Sylvester’s Catholic Church, Kilauea. Visitation at 8:30 a.m. Mass to be celebrated at 10 a.m. followed by burial at Saint Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery, Kealia.

Borthwick Kauai Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Betty J. Weichhart

Betty J. Weichhart 96 of Kapa‘a passed away on May 22, 2021. She was born in Portland, Oregon on Mar. 27, 1925.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Weichhart, sister Lynn Hammersmith, son Rexford Weichhart and grandson Ivan Beekman.

Betty is survived by her children Wendy Morgan, Mardy (Jay) Valentine, John “Ty” (Stacy) Weichhart Jr., six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Betty’s home, 7270 Aina Pono St., Kapa‘a, on Nov. 21, 2021 at 1 p.m.