Obituaries for Wednesday, May 17, 2023
Antonina ‘Nina’ Villapania Mirafuentes
Antonina ‘Nina’ Villapania Mirafuentes
Antonina “Nina” Villapania Mirafuentes, 91, of Honolulu, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2023.
She was born in Lihu‘e and was a retired County of Kaua‘i employee after many years of dedicated service.
She was predeceased by husband Victor Mirafuentes.
She is survived by sons Rendall, Robert “Noi” and Judson, daughters Noreen, Rhonda, Apryle and Ninette, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service is Sunday, June 11, at the Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e, beginning at 2 p.m. The family requests aloha or casual attire.
Josephine Hazel Maile Victor Soto
Josephine Hazel Maile Victor Soto passed away on April 24, 2023, in ‘Oma‘o, at the age of 94. She was born on May 23, 1928, in Honolulu, Territory of Hawai‘i. She was a hotel housekeeping/public area attendant.
She was preceded in death by husband John A. Soto Jr., parents Clement Victor and Anna Jennie Hatori Manoi, stepfather James K. Manoi, son-in-law Bruce W. Cosier, grandson Jamieson “Jay” Cosier and great-granddaughter Harley Jayde Soto.
She is survived by sons Andrei (Lois) Soto, Irving “Sarge” (Norine) Soto and Stafford (Heide) Soto, daughters Lorinda “Lori” Cosier and OrianaLee “Ori” Soto, grandchildren Ann-Janette Cosier Toledo, Bricille (Horace) Wallace, Michelle (Samoa) Siilata, Liane (Kenji) Sakai, Kalelei (Andy) Tawata, Kailana (Adam) Soto, Christopher (Lynne) Soto, Janna (Kalei) Harper, Kana‘e Soto and Aikoa Soto, great-grandchildren Trysen (Kimrah) Shigematsu Cosier, Isaiah, Kobe and Kamron Toledo, Shelbri-Ann Cosier, Torianna Dawkins, Maia, Victor, Raiden, Jaxson, Samson and Destiny Siilata, Noah, Dean and Jude Sakai, Addisyn, Kaydence and Kensly Tawata, Adrian and Julian Henkel, Hunter, Harlow, Hazely and Hilina‘i Soto, Shelyn Eliazar-Longboy, Caden (Nayesha) Olanolan and Jeremiah and Lehiwa Harper, great-great-grandson Kountry Olanolan, and many nephews, nieces and extended ‘ohana.
A service is Friday, May 26, at the Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. and Mass to follow. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapepe. The family requests aloha attire.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
William ‘Bill’ Wallace
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, whom 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.
Terri-Ellen Mahuiki Sembrano
Terri-Ellen Mahuiki Sembrano, 51, passed away on April 30, 2023. She was born on Sept. 20, 1971, and worked as a PBX operator at Westin Princeville.
She was preceded in passing by father Bernard Hosea Mahuiki Sr.
She is survived by mother Theresa Mahuiki, husband Larry Sembrano, children Jhensen-Hosea K. (Sarah) Mahuiki, Clarence “Budda” (Krissy) Ortiz Sembrano Jr. and Jheresa-Evelyn “Titi” K. (Keanu) Sembrano.
A celebration of life is at St. Catherine Church in Kapaa on Saturday, May 20. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m. and a lunch reception to follow.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lane R. Hiramoto
On April 8, 2023, Lane R. Hiramoto passed away at home with family at his side. He lived a happy and full life, accomplishing his many goals.
After graduating from Kaua‘i High School, he attended the University of Washington and earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. With an interest in diesel engineering, he was one of a few candidates selected by General Electric to enter into a training program which took him to several states over a two-year period. It was a rewarding training program, and one that enabled him to pursue (and succeed) in reaching another goal: to one day return to Hawai‘i and work for Hawaiian Electric. He was employed by HECO until his passing — over 35 years!
An avid motorcycle and car enthusiast, he enjoyed spending time with friends. He fondly remembered days of dirt biking with his brother, Charles, and friends Saki, Kevin and Lee and the Kalaheo boys. Always a grease monkey, he could be found at Harry’s Service — just his legs sticking out from under a car!
His later life was devoted to HECO and the volunteering/service opportunities it provided. He was a strong supporter of the University of Hawai‘i Athletic Department, especially women’s volleyball. He loved attending games at Stan Sheriff Center and supporting his favorite team.
His family will miss Lane — sisters, Janis Cox, Lynn (Patrick Murphy) Douthit, Rae (Orlando Valvieja) Hiramoto, and brother Charles (Maureen) Hiramoto, along with his beloved nieces and nephews, aunties, uncles and cousins. His many friends will miss him as well!
Services will be announced at a later date.
Jeraldine Joyce Masumoto
Jeraldine Joyce Masumoto passed away on May 14, 2023 at the age of 74. She was born on May 5, 1949, in Honolulu, formerly of 1218 Circle Lane, and then moved to Kaua‘i with her family.
She worked at various jobs in Honolulu at Hawaiian Regent Waikiki, and on Kaua‘i at Pay ‘n Save for 13 years, Steve’s Mini Mart for five years, Aloha Kaua‘i Travel for three years, and Sueoka Store for two years.
She was preceded in death by mother Juanita Nadoza, father Bernaldo “Benny” Nadoza, sister Roseanna Fontecha, brothers Leonard “Leo” Nadoza and Sidney “Sid” Nadoza, brother-in-law Wayne M. Lopez, in-laws Richard and Fusae Masumoto and son Ryan Masumoto.
She is survived by husband Richard Masumoto, son Ross Masumoto, grandson Royce Masumoto, granddaughter Xandra Masumoto, brothers-in-law Roy (Julie) Masumoto, Ronald Masumoto and Rodney Masumoto, sister Sharon Lopez of Kalaheo, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Services will be private, and scattering of ashes will be held at a later date.
Fe A. Villanueva
Fe A. Villanueva, of ‘Ele‘ele, passed away on May 13, 2023 at Kaua‘i Veterans Memorial Hospital at the age of 83. She was born on Aug. 1, 1939, in the Philippines.
She was preceded in death by husband Corazon A. Villanueva, parents Alfredo and Ursula Agbayani, sisters Gloria Vieres and Irene Caluya and brother Ronald Agbayani.
She is survived by sisters Lydia Limbo, Erlinda Acoba, Josefina Cuyos and Evelyn Langub, sons Florante (Thelma) Villanueva of ‘Ele‘ele, Alex (Fely) of Washington state, Danny (Liza) Villanueva of Washington state and Eliseo (Juvilee) of North Carolina, daughter Janet (Marty) Forbes of Maui, grandchildren Jonathan, Donn, Grant, Adrian, Christian, Liezel, Ashley, Ian and Andrew, and great-grandchildren Konner, Kennady and Jayden.
Services are at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i on Wednesday, May 17, beginning at 10 a.m. A celebration of life will be held at Wong’s Restaurant in Hanapepe following the services.
Eleanor Kam Hee Fong Dang
Eleanor Kam Hee Fong Dang passed away at age 101, on April 4, 2023, in Honolulu. She was born Kim Hee Fong, in Kapaia, Kaua‘i, on Dec. 6, 1921 to parents Koon Chan and Chung Shee Fong.
She retired from GTE Hawaiian Tel in Honolulu after 27 years of dedicated service. She enjoyed travelling, especially to Juneau, Alaska, where she went fishing annually with family and friends, staying at Shelter Lodge and Anchor Point Lodge, catching salmon, halibut and black cod for more than 20 years. Her home garden was always abundant with fruits, vegetables and tropical flowers. She loved spending time with family and friends, cooking, and making Chinese pretzels.
She was predeceased by husband Melvin Oie Quon Dang and nine siblings.
She is survived by son Sherman (Carolyn), daughters Vivian (Howard) Todo and Sharon (Wesley) Sahara, grandchildren Bryson (Tanna) Dang, Shelly Dang, Coralie (Kai) Ohuchi, Tiffany Todo, Kevin Sahara and Jason (Kelli) Sahara, and great-grandchildren Kalina, Keisen and Kobi Ohuchi.
Private services were held.
Christina Lyn Hernandez
Christina Lyn Hernandez, 44, of ‘Oma‘o, passed away on April 20, 2023 at Straub Hawai‘i Pacific Health in Honolulu. She was born in Honolulu on April 20, 1979, and worked for Kaua‘i Freight Service as an office clerk.
She was preceded in passing by maternal grandparents Faustino S. and Vicky Hernandez and paternal grandfather Marcial Labrador Hernandez.
She is survived by husband Christopher Ibanez, parents Severa Lynn (Rey Cabico) Constantino and Rizal (Desiree) Constantino, brothers John Eric (Kayla) Constantino and Glenard Paul Constantino, stepsister Kristen (Eliezer Butay) Cabico, paternal grandmother Ester Constantino, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service is at Aloha Church Kaua‘i in Lihu‘e on Saturday, May 27. Visitation starts at 8:30 a.m., a celebration of life is at 10 a.m., and burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
