Rita Lottie-Ann De Silva
Rita Lottie-Ann De Silva, 76, passed away on July 17, 2024, in Lihu‘e. She was born on Nov. 28, 1947, in Hawai‘i. She worked at the Garden Island Newspaper for 37 years.
She was preceded in death by parents Fred and Mary Kenison, sons Alan and Shannon De Silva, daughter-in-law Yukie-Lynn De Silva, grandson Keanu Saito, brother Derek “Tag” Kenison, and nephew Damien Kenison.
She is survived by husband Wayne Gordon De Silva, sons Kevin (Julia), Travis (Lisa), grandchildren Moana (Chris) Baltazar, Gavin (Kacie) De Silva, Dustyn (Michaela) De Silva, Carlie (Paden) De Silva, Glen (Andrea) Gusman, Adam (Chazerae) Gusman, Gage (Braeshon) Gusman, Noah (Ne’keya) Gusman, Blaz (Annie) Gusman, Kyle Gusman, Haylie (Ikona) De Silva, great-grandchildren Cijay, Cyris, Christyn and Chloey Baltazar, Aria De Silva, brothers Damien (Glendora) Kenison of Kona, Fred (Chong) Kenison of O‘ahu, Glen Kenison of Hilo, nephews Wayne (Amy) Kenison, Derek (Carly Ann) Kenison, and Ikaika Kenison.
Rita passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her life of 58 years and her family by her side. Rita was an excellent writer and a lover of music. She enjoyed sharing her passion online with friends that she made around the world. She was loved not only by her family but by the community as well. She enjoyed spending her days surrounded by her family whom she loved so dearly. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews on the De Silva side and countless friends she has made over the years. She will be dearly missed.
Private service will be held at a later date.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Lorin Ptacek Wade
Beloved mother/grandmother, successful business executive, and lover of the arts. Lorin Ptacek Wade passed away peacefully on April 30, 2024, in Lihu‘e at the age of 98.
Many residents and visitors to Kaua‘i knew Lorin from the 12 years she spent as a docent at the Kaua‘i Museum. She also volunteered for 10 years at the Wilcox Hospital Thrift Shop and a year at the Kaua‘i Humane Society.
In 2012, Lorin was honored as the Outstanding Elderly Affairs Volunteer by the County of Kaua‘i.
She was born in Chicago on Oct. 25, 1926, a child of the Great Depression. Her parents Alois and Anna Ulovec immigrated from Croatia during World War 1. She married fellow Chicagoan Robert Arthur Ptacek in 1943 during the height of World War 2. Together, they had four children, and she is survived by her daughter Melissa Ptacek Speetjens of Kalaheo and son Gregory Frank Ptacek of Ojai, California, along with her grandchildren Jessica Maile Speetjens of Honolulu and Frank William Speetjens and her great-grandchild Madison Lani Speetjens of Boise, Idaho.
During her long life, Lorin had a varied career spanning four decades in fashion retail, home real estate, and hotel sales and marketing. During the 25 years she lived in Los Angeles, she served as a volunteer docent at the Getty Museum of Art. Prior to her first marriage, she had been enrolled in Chicago Conservatory of Music, and throughout her life enjoyed playing the piano.
According to her wishest, Lorin was cremated, and her ashes spread in the ocean off the coast of Kaua‘i. In her remembrance, please make a donation to the Kaua‘i Humane Society (808-632-0610).
Matthew James Ornellas Jr.
Matthew James Ornellas Jr., 33, of Kapa‘a, passed away on March 25, 2024, at Wilcox Medical Center. He was born on May 29, 1990 and was loved by many. He graduated from Kapa‘a High School and enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Frank and Emily Barretto Sr., paternal grandparents Joseph and Dorothy Ornellas Jr.
He is survived by his parents Sharleen (Jon) Ornellas, Matthew Jimmy (Liz) Ornellas Sr., sisters Jamilynn (Pat) Ornellas, Jaslynn Ornellas, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. All whom Matt loved dearly.
A celebration of Matthew’s life will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at Wailua Houselots Park with visitation from 11 a.m. and prayers to follow at noon. The family graciously declines flowers.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
