Helen Akutagawa
Helen Akutagawa, of Kapaa, passed away on Oct. 5, 2024, at home at the age of 100. She was born on May 11, 1924, in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a co-owner of Hawaii Venetian Blinds, Co.
She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Akutagawa, son Gary Akutagawa, son-in-law Kalvin Lam, brothers Allan Mori, Bill Mori, sisters Shiz Kato, Margie Hirata and Grayce Watanabe.
She is survived by her son Dennis (Susan) Akutagawa of Kapaa, daughter Celia Lam of Honolulu, sister Marquerite Tanaka of California, six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Cornelia ‘Cory’ Ellisor
Cornelia “Cory” Ellisor, of Kalaheo, passed away on Sept. 21, 2024, at home at the age of 83. She was born on July 11, 1941, in Haarlem, Netherlands. She was an office manager for MLBTAX, LLC.
She was preceded in death by parents Maria Hameetman and Maartin Hameetman, sisters Tini de Vendt, Nora Brink, Maria Lans, brother Jan Hameetman, brothers-in-law Joop de Vendt, Klaas Brink and Pete Lans.
She is survived by husband of 50+ years, Calvin Ellisor of Kalaheo, previous husband Karl Svoboda of Haarlem, Netherlands, sons Karl Svoboda of Salem, Oregon, Mark Svoboda of Kalaheo, stepsons Calvin Earp of Miller Grove, Texas, Scott Ellisor of Weatherford, Texas, daughter Patricia Brink of Kalaheo, daughters-in-law Marieke Svoboda, Sonia Earp, Julie Ellisor, grandchildren Hayley Nordruft, Megan Ellisor, Ryan Ellisor, Grant Earp, Candace Earp, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the Kalaheo Missionary Church in Kalaheo. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by service at 9:30 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Donna Lee
Donna Lee, 90, of Waimea, passed away on Oct. 2, 2024, at Wilcox Medical Center. She was born on June 5, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. She was a retired computer consultant.
She is survived by Richard Daley, Gaither Rosser III, George Willet, Don Willet, Gaither Rosser IV and one grandchild.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Tamar Kamala Mersberg
Tamar Kamala Mersberg, 81, passed away on Sept. 27, 2024, in Anahola, Kauai. She was born on Sept. 12, 1943, in Honolulu, Oahu. She retired from the County of Kauai.
Preceded in death by husband Lawrence K. “Joe” Mersberg, father Arthur K. DeFries, mother Tamara K. Kaneali‘i DeFries, sons Nathan A. “Kaiza” Mersberg, Lawrence K. “Duna” Mersberg, daughter Jennifer Pua Manu, brothers Arthur K. DeFries, Gaylord K. DeFries, and sister Annalene K. Spencer.
She is survived by son Arthur K. (Naomi) Mersberg, daughter Priscilla U. (John) Mersberg, brothers David K. (Sandra) DeFries, Roland N. (Kari) DeFries, sister Edie L. DeFries, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at Kapaa First Hawaiian Church. Visitation begins at 9:30 a.m., service at 10:30 a.m., and burial will follow at Kapaa, Kealia Cemetery.
Borthwick Kauai Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
