Jane Margaret Russell
June 30, 1940 — July 19, 2024
Long-time Kaua‘i resident Jane Russell passed away peacefully on July 19 in her home in Po‘ipu at the age of 84. She was born and raised on a dairy farm in the Nornalup district in southwest Australia, a place where her parents were early settlers. Upon completing her high school certificate, she moved to Perth, Australia, to start her working career as a secretary. That experience proved valuable because early in her life Jane, who loved to travel, spent a number of years traveling around the world, working as she went.
She met her husband, Rich, an American naval officer at the time, in Perth in 1980 and they married in San Diego in 1982. Once again, she lived a nomadic life, moving often as Rich took on various work assignments. Her travels enabled Jane to build a network of friends across Australia, the U.S. and the Pacific islands. Her favorite location was Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands where she lived for seven years and was the site representative for the University of Maryland Continuing Education program and an active volunteer for many community activities, including a store that featured craftwork created by local Marshallese artists. Jane and Rich retired to Kaua‘i in 2012.
Jane was a joy to be with. She had a sparkle that would light up any room. She also had an infectious laugh, and was outgoing, funny, kind and thoughtful. She was artistic and enjoyed drawing and painting, and she loved animals and nature. She left an indelible mark on the life of everyone she touched and will be sorely missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Louise Marie, and by her sisters Helen and Hilda.
In addition to her husband Rich, Jane is survived by her nephews Alan, Kevin, and John and her niece Francoise.
The family is requesting that friends who wish to honor Jane’s life can do so by making a donation in her memory to the Kaua‘i Community Cat Project at kauaicommunitycats.org.
Kaleo Ho‘okano
Kaleo Ho‘okano of Waimea, passed away on June 26, 2024, in Waimea at the age of 74. He was born on Sept. 21, 1949, in Waimea. He was an ocean safety supervisor and a legendary waterman.
He was preceded in death by wife Rae Ho‘okano and parents James and Aloha Ho‘okano.
He is survived by son Gad (Chantel) Ho‘okano of Hanapepe, daughters Sanoe (Dennis) Ho‘okano of Oma‘o, Sui (Matt) Ho‘okano of Waimea, grandchildren Lokela Palama, Kekai Palama, Liv Jacintho, Lehiwa Palama, Nalu Ho‘okano, Nawea Ho‘okano, brother Dean (Debbie) Ho‘okano of Kekaha, sisters Pauline Kupo of Kekaha, Odetta (Joe) Borja of Kekaha, Pi’ilani Aguon of Kekaha, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A service will be held at the Lawa‘i Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church on Aug. 16, 2024. Visitation from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by service at 10 a.m. Scattering of ashes will be held at a later date. The family suggests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Robert Agosto
Robert “Bobby” “Aggos” Agosto passed away on July 16, 2024, at the age of 76. He was born on June 19, 1948, in Waimea, Kaua‘i. He graduated from Waimea High School and Kaua‘i Community College. He will be remembered for his loud contagious laugh. He was a painter for James Nakagawa Painting, a mechanic, an avid deep-sea scuba diver, and a fisherman with a passion for martial arts.
He was preceded in death by father Fortunato Agosto Sr., grandfather Juan Rapada and brother Fortunato “Foto” Agosto Jr.
He is survived by son Robert “Shilum” Agosto of Kekaha, daughter Shayla Agosto of Seattle, Washington, mother Loretta Rapada Agosto, two grandchildren, brothers Ben (Anna) Agosto of Waipahu, O‘ahu, Brandon Agosto of Kalaheo, sisters Kathryn “Kathy” (Dennis) Yamamoto of Mililani, O‘ahu, Elizabeth “Liz” (George) Kawamura of Kalaheo, Jane (Rodney) Williams of Seattle, Washington, Lorna (Tommy) Takayama of Mililani, O‘ahu, Lesley (Michael) Castillo of Kapalua, Maui, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024, at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation begins at 2 p.m., followed by a celebration of life at 2:45 p.m.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Pacita Valencia Simpliciano
Pacita Valencia Simpliciano, of Kekaha, passed away on July 4, 2024, at home. She was born on March 14, 1950, in Capasan, Philippines.
She was preceded in death by parents Juan Valencia, Segundina Gali Valencia and sister Helen Valencia Peterson.
She is survived by husband Manny Simpliciano of Kekaha, son Edgar (Cat Gano) Simpliciano of Kekaha, daughters Edna (Mike Parel) Simpliciano of O‘ahu, Lina (Michael) Agtunong of Lihu‘e, grandchildren November Siena Parel, Sebastian Parel, Micah Agtunong, brothers Pedro (Rita) Valencia of Hanapepe, Benito (Cina) Valencia of Hanama‘ulu, sisters Presentacion Aquino of ‘Ele‘ele, Herminia Ancheta of Kekaha, Soledad Valencia of ‘Ele‘ele, Dolores (Wayne) Delos Santos of Hanama‘ulu, Merlita Valencia of Lihu‘e, Susana (Dan) Abadilla of Kekaha, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A private service was held.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
