Obituaries for Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Norma Langgas Medina
Norma Langgas Medina
Norma Langgas Medina, 85, passed away on April 8, 2023. She was born in Bayanan, Bacoor, Cavite, Philippines, on Jan. 16, 1938, and owned Po‘ipu Taxi.
She was preceded in passing by husband Angel Medina, parents Juan and Arsenia Langgas, son Danilo Medina and three infant daughters.
She is survived by children Susan (Joe) Llego, Armando Medina, Rizalde (Josephine) Medina and Rosemarie Medina, grandchildren Sherryl Llego, Joanna Llego, Angelina (Jael) Caoile, Aaron (Cathleen) Medina, Chadwin (Kim) Medina, Arnel (Krystal) Medina, Thomas Vierra, Justin (Michelle) Medina, Jennilyne (Jake) Medina, Chanelle (Michael) Garcia and Kai Medina, great-grandchildren Shenalyne (Jonathan) Dela Cruz-Llego, Kori Ann (Nainoa) Kuali‘i, Carah (Gigi) Koerte-Llego, Tyra Koerte-Llego, Marlie Keli‘ikuli-Llego, Talea Keli‘ikuli-Llego, Jael Jaimeson Caoile, Caydance Medina, Cienna Medina, Aliyah Medina, Zayleah Medina, Chysen Medina, Kenzie Perreira, Ashten Medina, Alvey Medina, Jeianna Locquiao, Aira Tangonan, Serenity Garcia, Jaden Garcia, Raiden Garcia and Bailey, and one great-great-grandbaby Zarya.
A celebration of life is Saturday, May 13, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., Mass from 10 to 11 a.m., and burial at the Hanapepe Chinese Filipino &Portuguese Cemetery at 11:15 a.m.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens &Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Robert ‘Bobby’ Delapenia
Robert “Bobby” Delapenia passed away on March 24, 2023, in Lihu‘e, at the age of 84. He was born on March 1, 1939, in Waipahu, O‘ahu. He served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a mason foreman for Kaua‘i Builders after 41 years.
He was preceded in death by mother Mabel Ranis, father Vicente Delapenia, stepfather Fulgencio Laconsay and brothers Jerry Delapenia, Timothy Ranis and Rudy Eugene Laconsay.
He is survived by wife of 60 years Marian Aki Delapenia, children Valerie (Andrew) Winchester, Mark (Mandie) Delapenia, Les (Kelly) Delapenia and Michele (Derek) Borrero, grandchildren Kalani (Emily) Delapenia, Chelyssa Delapenia, Kaimana Delapenia, Mariah Delapenia, Madison Delapenia, Amber Blocker, Andrew Delapenia, Brianna (Jessica) Borrero Contrades, Britney (Makana) Rivera and Braylee Borrero, great-grandchildren Kaleohano Rivera, Lilinoe Rivera, Addison Blocker, Emmaline Blocker, Peyton Delapenia, Micah Delapenia and Avery Delapenia, siblings Katherine J. Asis, Florence D. (Stanley) Olayan, Patrick (Clarice) Ranis, Daniel (Stephanie) Ranis and Vincent Patrick Delapenia, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A service is Saturday, May 13, at Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e, with visitation at 9 a.m. and services beginning at 10 a.m.
Guy Seichi Moriguchi
Guy Seichi Moriguchi passed away on March 10, 2023 in Los Angeles, at the age 63. He was born on June 8, 1959, in Honolulu. He was an operations manager at Aqua Engineers on Kaua‘i.
He was preceded in death by father Charles T. Moriguchi.
He is survived by wife Shirley Moriguchi, daughters Kyra (Evan Kuribayashi) Moriguchi and Mallory (Kane) Zalopany, sons Bryce Yoshida and Grant Yoshida, mother Betty S. Moriguchi, in-laws Thomas and Nives Soriano and Reuben and Florence Yoshida, grandchildren Emma Kuribayashi, Kolt Kuribayashi, Alaka‘i Zalopany, Kaniela Zalopany and Kala‘i Zalopany, siblings Duane (Denise) Moriguchi, Eric (Janell) Moriguchi, Irineo (Thelma) Soriano, Ruben (Darlene) Soriano, Emilie (Domi) Bucasas, Edwin (Luz) Soriano, Jason Yoshida and Todd Yoshida, nieces and nephew Ashlie Moriguchi, Hali‘a Moriguchi, Justin (Mariah Navor) Moriguchi and Maddux Moriguchi.
A celebration of life is Friday, May 12, at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. and service to follow at 4 p.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Darlene Ruth Souza Soares
Darlene Ruth Souza Soares passed away on March 13, 2023, at her residence in Kalaheo, at the age of 66. She was born on Nov. 18, 1956, on O‘ahu. She was a certified nurses aide.
She was preceded in death by husband Gordon Ray Soares Sr., son Gordan R. Soares, father Clarence Souza Sr. and mother Jeannette (Gary) Matsumura.
She is survived by sons Gordon (Adrienne Brown) Soares Jr. of Kalaheo and David (Misty) Soares of Kalaheo, grandchildren Kalen (Jenna Cadiente) Soares, Maegan (Ryan Emayo-Schmidt) Soares, David Soares Jr., Devin Soares and Mckenna Soares, beloved dogs Hina and Luna, brother Clarence (Joyce) Souza Jr. of Kalaheo, sister Lori (Darren) Souza-Sanekane of Kalaheo, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo on Saturday, May 20. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of life.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Janice Aiko Sadamitsu
Janice Aiko Sadamitsu, of Lihu‘e, passed away on March 22, 2023, at her residence in San Gabriel, California, at the age of 77. She was born on June 12, 1945, in Lihu‘e. She was an elementary school teacher for more than 34 years, with the Garvey School District in San Gabriel, California.
She was preceded in death by parents Minoru and Hatsuko Sadamitsu and brothers Stanley and Wayne Sadamitsu.
She is survived by sister Sharon (Gary) Morita of Kalaheo, brother Richard (Carol) Sadamitsu of Lihu‘e, sisters-in-law Ethel Sadamitsu and Jane Sadamitsu of Lihu‘e, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Private services will be held at a later date. The family requests no koden.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dennis and Donna ‘Manu’ Manulani Kahalekomo Tokuoka
Being married for 45 years is truly romantic, and this was a true love story for Dennis Yoshito and Donna “Manu” Manulani Kahalekomo Tokuoka. Dennis was a quiet and humble king who adored his wife, and always treated her as his queen. These two peas in a pod were inseparable until the very end.
It is with great love, honor and respect to announce that our parents Dennis and Donna “Manu” have embarked on a new adventure. They have returned home to our heavenly Father. Dennis was born on Dec. 12, 1947, in Pa‘ia, Maui, and departed this mortal life on March 23, 2023. His beautiful wife Donna “Manu,” who was born on Jan. 3, 1947, in Waimea, joined him 18 days later on April 10, 2023. They lived in Kihei, Maui.
Dennis retired as a supervisor for state of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, Plant Qurantine Department and Aloha Airlines. Donna retired from state of Hawai‘i Airport Visitor Information program.
Dennis and Donna are survived by siblings Grace (Owen) Masaki, Roy Tokuoka, Ann (Alan) Nouchi, Kaulei (Joyce) Kahalekomo, Keenan (Susan) Keuma, Kainoa (Healani) Keuma, Frank (Laura) Keuma and Charlene (Dave) Kerwin, and sisters-in-law Verlyn “Lindy” Keuma and Delayne (Glennis) Pai, Children Donville Lee, Duelane (Nelson) Rita, Dwyle (Jacque) Lee and Dynamite (Liselle) Lee, Grandchildren Jennie (Andrizelle Carlson) Lee, Jhase (Michele Inamasu) Lee, Kaylene “Kalun” (Bryn) Rita, Kahi (Robin) Rita, Clinton (Shalea) Rita, Hoku (Tisha) Dusenberry-Lee, Kala (Pili) Dusenberry-Lee, Kila (Mikayla) Dusenberry-Lee, Jaime (Dustin) Villatora, Jenna Iwasaki and Tobias (Niah) Iwasaki, Great-grandchildren Kiana, KY, Kayn “Yoshito,” Kyri, Deegan, Nui, Kawena “Manulani,” Dreyson, Ares “Pono,” Astraea, Achilles Rita, Audreyana, Noelani Dusenberry-Lee, twins Charlie and Madison Lee, Justis Martins, DJ, Damon, Hulali, Dominic Villatora, Kiyomi Blake and Akemi Gampong, and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunties and cousins.
Dennis and Donna are preceded by their parents Takashi “Robert” and Chiyoko “Joan” Tokuoka, John and Jennie Keuma and John Opupele, and brothers Dalsay, Wilton and Daniel Keuma.
Family and friends are invited to a joint service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Kahului Hawai‘i Stake Center, on May 20. The address is 125 W. Kamehameha Ave. Viewing will be at 9:30 a.m., and service to begin at 11 a.m.
Online condolences may be made at: www.nakamuramortuary.com.
Jean Abreu
Jean Abreu passed away on March 24, 2023, at Wilcox Medical Center, at the age of 71. She was born on Oct. 27, 1951, in Baltimore, Maryland.
She was preceded in death by parents Walter and Anna Abreu, sister Nan Abreu, sons Carlos Dotimas and BJ Dotimas, daughter Laurice Kawahalau and grandchildren Sierra Kawahalau and Kelvin Kanahele Jr.
She is survived by son Walter (Rhonda) Dotimas of Kekaha, daughters Sheri Apilado of Lawa‘i, Azua (Joe) Sylva of Waipahu, O‘ahu and Carlie (Ike) Kaohelauli‘i of Hanapepe, 27 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, brothers John (Nadine) Abreu of California and Jessie (Kuuipo) Abreu of Hawai‘i Island, sister Jerry (Wally) Pimental of Lawa‘i, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is at the Hanapepe Stadium tennis courts main pavilion on Saturday, May 13. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at noon. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Joseph Grace
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Joseph Grace, “Uncle Joe,” passed away on March 20, 2023, at his residence, at the age of 78. He was born on Nov. 3, 1944, in North Kona, Hawai‘i Island.
He was a chef at Waiohai and Po‘ipu Beach Hotel, Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel and Maui Lu Hotel, a mason with Robert Kaya Builders, O‘ahu and Shioi Construction, Inc., a Kaua‘i Youth Baseball Association and Americans of Japanese Ancestry baseball umpire, KYBA coach (Koloa, Kalawai and Hanapepe), Koloa Pop Warner coach (from the 1970s to the 1990s he gave his time to many children), and proprietor of KJ’s Lunch Wagon and its “Famous Roast Pork.”
He was preceded in death by mother Lillian A. Nelsen (Grace), in-laws Paul Silva Sr. and Helen Silva (Kalama), grandson Kaina Kaneakua, hanai parents Elmer “Gabby” Gaspar Sr. and Alice “Big Mama” Gaspar (Graca), brothers Elmer, Pa‘u, Johnny, Kana and Hanalei Gaspar, and sisters Kaleo and Kalamau Gaspar and Kuchi Grace.
He is survived by wife of 55 years Paulette Grace (Silva), sons Kamanu (Jaime) Grace, Kanani Grace, Shawn Grace and Joseph K. Grace, daughters JoNel (David) Tafiti, Sandra Bodon, Melviann Grace, Coral Castillo, Dodie Kahai and Jolene Grace, sisters Momi (Wally) Friedlande, Josephine Cabilin and Gerry Palacat, goddaughters Margret Joyce Gaspar Magno, Chablis Kekua, Kwai Gaspar and Tina Nip, grandchildren Shana Tafiti, Kristen Grace, Tauina Tafiti, Deannalynn Tafiti, Deidrelynn Tafiti, Kamalani Hodges, U‘ilani Tafiti, Kaedin Grace, Shaestin Grace, Desha Tafiti, Daelin Grace, Amaezin Grace and Ayzlee Grace, and many more grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of life is Saturday, May 13, at Kukui‘ula Small Boat Harbor (grass area) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The family requests casual attire and graciously declines flowers.
Veronica ‘Sista’ ‘NT Ronnie’ Ching Pacheco
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Veronica “Sista, “NT Ronnie” Ching Pacheco passed away on April 30, 2023 at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 68. She was born on April 17, 1955, in Lihu‘e. She was a housewife.
She was preceded in death by father Samuel K.C. Ching Sr., mother Eleanor P. Kaui, sisters Eleanor K. Ching and May K. C. Ching and brother Samuel K. C. Ching Jr.
She is survived by husband Gerald Pacheco of ‘Oma‘o, son Casey K. (Kylie Kuhlmann) Ching-Pacheco of ‘Oma‘o, brother Milton K. C. Ching (Melanie) of Kapa‘a, sister Opal (Russell) Ching-Abreu of Wailua, sister-in-law Joyce Okinaka of Lawa‘i, niece Kainani Ching and nephews Milikona Ching and Kamuela Ching.
A service is at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i on Saturday, May 20. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Alice Gomes Palmeira
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Alice Gomes Palmeira went home to be with the Lord on March 29, 2023, at the age of 90, at home in Las Vegas. She was born on March 31, 1932, in Hanapepe. She worked in sales and customer service for Kaua‘i Stores and Liberty House, then retired with Macy’s Accomodations Department at Kukui Grove Center in Lihu‘e.
She is survived by children Alan (Sandy) Palmeira, Gary (Carol) Palmeira, Warren (Evelina) Palmeira and Adele Palmeira-Shinn, grandchildren Lloyd (Robyn) Palmeira, Matthew Palmeira, Wendy Palmeira, A.J. “Jennie” Palmeira, Jarrod Shinn, Shayonia Palmeira, Kysen Palmeira, Sheri (Justin) Malina, Ashley (Josh) Cramer, Julia (Larry) Palmeira and Jeanette Jaramillo, and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by parents Manuel Sr. and Albina Gomes, brother Manuel Gomes Jr., sisters Helen Jordan, Laura Duarte, Clara Jardin, Miriam Rita, Dorothy Rita, Margie Vidinha and Flora Duarte, grandson Wesley Palmeira and Ernest Palmeira.
To honor our mothers’ wishes, there will be no funeral service. However, her memory will be forever cherished in our hearts. Our family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time.
William ‘Bill’ Wallace
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William “Bill” Wallace, born on Feb. 8, 1947, in Washington D. C., passed away peacefully in his Kalaheo home on May 2, 2023. The love of his life, Laurie Ventura Wallace, who he shared 32 wonderful years with, was by his side, along with his daughter and other family members.
They have two children, son Seth Eben Wallace, who resides in Olympia, Washington, and daughter Tashiana Ventura Canales (Levi), who resides in Hanapepe. He has three grandchildren, who are the joys of his soul, Kimberly Wallace, Ian Wallace and Rigel Canales.
Bill’s great joy was playing music here on Kaua‘i, and in his earlier years, throughout the mainland. His greatest, greatest joy in life was jamming with his grandkids Rigel, Kim and Ian. Bill has been blessed with numerous family and friends from all around the world.
The family would like to thank Kaua‘i Hospice for the care and compassion they have given during this long fought illness.
At the request of Bill, there will be no public service or celebration of life. No donations please.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family.
“I have had a wonderful life. All you need is Love.” Bill Wallace.
Jerold ‘Jerry’ Wells Tittle
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On May 3, 2023, our ‘ohana lost a wonderful man, Jerold “Jerry” Wells Tittle. He was born in 1952 on Christmas Eve in Sacramento, California, to Bonnie Jeanne Kelly and Vernon Ellison Tittle. As a young man he moved to Kaua‘i to work for Kaua‘i Electric. He recently retired as a foreman utility lineman. He loved music. He was a talented singer, musician and whistler.
He married the love of his life, his dear Ke‘ala, on Feb. 8, 2020, after a 6-year courtship. They loved traveling together to visit their family and friends in California, Oregon and Washington. He was a loving and adored grandfather who never tired of taking his mo‘opuna to the beach. He was a wonderful father to his children, who could always count on him to give it to them straight.
He was preceded in passing by his sister Becky Tittle, mother Bonnie and father Vernon, and brothers-in-law John Pavao, Earl Pavao and Pierre Pavao.
He is survived by his beloved wife Ke‘ala Pavao-Tittle, son Brandon Tittle, stepdaughter Mahina (Todd) Oshie, stepsons Ka‘imi (Lindsey) Baptiste and Kawai (Jasmine Bento) Watanabe, grandchildren Chawai Watanabe-Dunhour, Kenzie Watanabe, Maxwell Oshie, Nicolaas Baptiste and Luca Baptiste, sisters Callie (Bill) Stevens and Selene Tittle, mother-in-law Barbara Say, brothers and sisters-in-law Diane (John) Pavao, Julie (Pierre) Pavao, Paul B.C. Say, Byron B.C. (Amnda Gibbs) Say, David (Janice) Pavao, William (Regina) Pavao and Jonelle Leina‘ala (Sean) Pavao-Jardin, nieces and nephews Joshua Stevens, Wailana Pavao, Kaipo (Sara) Pavao, Makana (Alethea) Pavao, Kalili Pavao, Emmett Say, Keanu Simons Say, Amalie Say, Travis Pavao, Tenille Pavao, Rylee (Joshua Mersberg) Pavao, Jaedyn Pavao, Liam Pavao, Breeze Vidinha Pavao, Jeslee Vidinha Pavao and Napali Jardin, uncle Bill Kelly, aunty Joyce Pa, grand-nephew Tate Pavao, grand-niece Lawe Rapozo, numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, numerous cousins and many dear friends.
Our deepest gratitude to the wonderful doctors and nurses with Straub Cancer Center and Kaua‘i Hospice, who cared for Jerry. Mahalo to Dr. Dustin Osborn, Dr. Vishal Goyal, Dr. Jeffrey Strong, nurse Dana Gutzman, nurse Sharlene Skripko, the Rev. Caroline Miura and nurse Elsie Abella. Mahalo for treating our beloved Jerry with respect and aloha.
As per his request, private services will be held.
