Theresa O. Martins
Theresa O. Martins, 99 years old, passed away peacefully at home in Kapahi, Kaua‘i, on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. She was born on April 23, 1925, in Kapahi, where she lived her entire life, to Marion Oliveira Ornellas and John Ornellas. She grew up with seven sisters and five brothers.
From childhood, she and her sisters worked early mornings in their family bakery before walking to school.
As teens they worked at the Hawaiian Fruit Packers Cannery and at 22 yrs. old, Theresa married Jacob Kolae Martins (deceased). They both worked at the cannery by day and raised vegetables after work to ship to O‘ahu while bringing up their three children, Hanzs K. Martins (deceased), Jacob K. Martins Jr. and Erika N. Martins.
After the pineapple operation closed in 1973, Theresa continued to work processing papayas at the same cannery location. Then together with Jacob they started a successful tropical flower business that kept them active, healthy and happy in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
While in her mid 80’s to early 90’s, Theresa took witness to her husband’s debilitating stroke months before her eldest son’s sudden passing. She cared for Jacob until his transition in 2016. Her children recently found love letters dated 1946.
Theresa’s last eight years were spent savoring time with five remaining sisters (of which three have recently passed), her son, daughter, daughter-in- law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survived by son Jacob Martins Jr., Sue Oah Martins (wife), daughter Erika N Martins, Bernadine Koerte Martins (daughter-in-law), grandchildren Jake Martins III, Jennifer Martins, Nathan Weber, Nicole Navarro, Lisa Martins Yamaguchi, Scott Yamaguchi, Keoni Martins, Kalae Makua Martins, great-grandchildren Camryn Yamaguchi, Rhys Yamaguchi, Momilani Martins, Kalawai‘a Martins, Hilina‘i Martins, Kawena Theresa Martins, Pohai Julia Martins, siblings Catherine Ornellas BVM of Iowa and Eva Ornellas of Oregon.
A service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at St. Catherine Church in Kapa‘a. Visitation begins at 9 a.m., followed by the memorial service at 10 a.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
