Debra Barreira Soto
Debra Barreira Soto, age 68, peacefully passed away on Sept. 29, 2023, at Wilcox Memorial Hospital surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Aug. 14, 1955, on Kaua‘i to Ernest and Dolores Barreira, and was a driver education specialist for the County of Kaua‘i before retiring in 2017.
Debra is survived by her loving husband, Deacon Averiet Soto, daughters Alyssa (Ed) Soto-Gelacio, Angela Soto, Amanda (Matt) Cuaresma, Averie Soto, mother Dolores Barreira, sisters Diane Generalao, Carolyn (Mike) Hutchins, Ernette (Steven) Wagner, Corrine (Mike) Rosa, brother Ernie (Annette) Barreira, grandchildren Iris Soto, Aileah and Kyron Cuaresma, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father Ernest Barreira.
A loving, kind, and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend to many, Debra was known for her giving heart and compassionate nature. Always willing to lend a helping hand, she volunteered at the Kaua‘i Food Bank and Hanapepe Library, was a Filipino Catholic Club member, and was a proud parishioner and pianist of Holy Cross Catholic Church. She also played the piano for the St. Theresa School children’s mass. Debra had a knack for understanding the needs of others, and her greatest joy was being in service to them and to God.
Funeral services will be held on Oct. 21, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kalaheo. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a eulogy and tribute to follow. Mass will be held at 11 a.m.
Abraham ‘Abe’ Peralta Aquino
Abraham “Abe” Peralta Aquino passed away peacefully at home with his beloved family by his side on Sept. 27, 2023. He was born on Dec. 10, 1946, in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan, Philippines. He retired from Aston at Poipu Kai Resort where he was an outstanding employee for many years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Santiago and Adoracion Aquino, whom are now receiving him with open arms in heaven.
He is survived by his wife Presentacion “Precy” Aquino, daughters Eliza (Alexander) Butac, Elvie (Josue Guzman) Aquino, son Rolly Aquino, grandchildren Leo Daniel (Marjorie) Butac, Yasmine Ware (Nick Agosto), great-grandchildren Louis Butac, Lucas Butac, numerous brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews and cousins on the island of Kaua‘i, on the many islands of the Philippines, as well as around the world.
Friends may visit the family on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary in Koloa. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., service at 10 a.m. and burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home in Maalo Road, Lihu‘e. The family requests that flowers be omitted.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Stephanie Kazuko Miyashiro
Stephanie Kazuko Miyashiro passed away on June 26, 2023, in Lafayette, California. She was born on May 20, 1949, in Hawai‘i. Early in her childhood, she contracted poliomyelitis, the effects of which impacted the rest of her life.
She was predeceased by her parents Stephen and Florence Miyashiro.
She is survived by her sister Laura L Miyashiro, of Lihu‘e, brother Gary H. Miyashiro, his wife Rose M. Tamura, of Redding, Connecticut and their sons Justin and Travis.
She was a strong advocate for peace and justice, and constantly worked to support/assist the disadvantaged. The phrase “Always work to leave the world a better place than when you found it,” best describes her outlook on life. She will be missed.
George Richard Fern
In loving memory of George Richard Fern, born on Oct. 15, 1946, and peacefully passed away on Oct. 8, 2023, at the age of 76.
He is survived by his loving partner Donna Garza, family members daughter Christina, grandson Kamuela, brother Richard, Cecelia, sons George and his wife Aiko and Brian and his wife Gina, grandchildren Aiden, Miye, Keane, Kohana and Sachie. George also leaves behind numerous nephews, nieces and cousins who held a special place in his heart.
George’s professional journey began in 1975 when he established Kaua‘i Floors, Inc., a successful flooring business that thrived until its closure in 2012. His dedication to the trade led him to become an esteemed member of the Hawai‘i Flooring Association and a valued Board Member of the Western Floor Covering Association.
Over the years, George had the privilege of enhancing countless homes and projects, living up to his company’s motto: “Kauai Floors – Your Feet Will Love You for It.”
Beyond his work, George had a deep passion for life. He loved traveling, dedicating his time to volunteering at Na ‘Ania Kai Botanical Gardens, strolling along the beach, tending to his property, and hosting gatherings for friends and family. For more than three decades, he was dedicated to his daily Tai Chi practice.
A private celebration of George’s life is planned for Nov. 11, 2023. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in George’s honor.
Josue Guzman
Josue Guzman, 43, of Lihu‘e, passed away on Oct. 12, 2023. He was born in the Dominican Republic on May 31, 1980 and was a cook at Lawa‘i Market.
He was preceded in death by his father Ignacio Guzman.
Josue is survived by his sons Josue Danilo-Abimael Guzman, Bennett Guzman, mother Aurora Guzman, sisters Esther Diaz, Keyla Pavia, brothers Joel, Benny, Abi, Sergio, Weldy Guzman, his fiancé Elvie Aquino, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services to be announced at a later date.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisting the family with arrangements.
Marian Chiyako Hamada
Marian Chiyako Hamada, 87, passed away in Kapa‘a on Oct. 12, 2023. She was born on Feb. 7, 1936, in Hilo. She was a stay-at-home mother until her children were in school, then worked in the main kitchen at the Coco Palms hotel as a kitchen helper. After Iniki, she worked at Kapa‘a Elementary School and Kapa‘a Poi Factory.
Loved ones preceded her passing are her husband Henry, parents Kiyoshi and Sadako Sueoka, sister Jean Fukumori, brothers Harold and Chester Sueoka, and granddaughter Shelby Hamada.
Marian is survived by her sister Doris (Roy Yamashita) Kimura, sons Kelvin (Dawn), Rex (Suzie) Hamada, daughters Susan (Lance) Kubota, Stella (Jeff) Daniels, grandchildren Devin (Marci) Hamada, Courtney (Devin) Hamada, Nicole Kubota, Shantelle (Adam) Morris, Heather Kubota, Jarrett (Trish) Hamada, Kira Daniels, Jana (Jesse) Colandrea, Jordan (Jessica) Chun, Jared (Brandi) Chun, Joslyn (Casey) Hamada, great-grandchildren Evan, Remy, Connor and Micah Morris, Kole and Dax Hamada, Mitz and Sadame Kubota, Raiden Hamada, Ethan and Malachi Chun, Chloe and Emma Colandrea, Liam Mira, Tehia and Tailea Chun, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Relatives are welcome to join Marian’s family to celebrate her life at the Garden Island Mortuary on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, at 9 a.m. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
