Obituaries for Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Vera Hirota
Vera Hirota
Vera Hirota, age 69, of Lihue, passed away on Nov. 13, 2024. She was a dedicated secretary with the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Vera was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dennis Hirota, parents Clifford Ichimasa Sr. and Sumako Ichimasa.
She is survived by her children Stacie (Lee) Nishimura, Brandon (Kelsi) Hirota, Claire Hirota, eight cherished grandchildren, brothers Clifford Ichimasa Sr., Dean (Donna) Ichimasa, sister Cora Matsumura, sisters-in-law Karen Nakamura, Lynne (Larry) Iwanaga, numerous nieces and nephews.
A service to honor Vera’s life will be held on Dec. 21, 2024, at Borthwick Mortuary, Koloa. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers or Koden, the family requests that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Borthwick Kauai Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Donald ‘Donnie’ Robert Horcher
First Sunrise March 20, 1957
Last Sunset Nov. 26, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald Robert Horcher, beloved life partner, father, brother and friend. Surrounded by his family, he peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with cancer.
To all who knew him, he was more than a man — he was a ray of kindness and strength, always ready with open arms and an open heart. His love and support touched countless lives, creating bonds and memories that will last forever. He will be remembered for his courage and his unwavering devotion to his family and friends. He was always up for an adventure and was a world traveler.
Donnie is joined in heaven by his parents Florence Horcher and John Horcher and his best friend and son Tommy Horcher.
He is survived by his life partner Sharon Zehner, daughter and her husband Ashley and Sean O’Malley, his sister Charlene Getz, five brothers Paul Horcher, Phil Horcher, Kevin Horcher, Jimmy Horcher and Andy Horcher.
He will be profoundly missed but never forgotten. His legacy of love, compassion, and strength lives on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Rest peacefully in paradise. Until we are reunited, know how deeply you are loved.
Special thanks to Wilcox oncology and infusion, Queens Medical and Kaua‘i Hospice.
Michael Ray Marshall
Michael Ray Marshall, 70, of Kapaa, passed away Nov. 29, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on Sept. 20, 1954, in Lihue.
He graduated from Kapaa High School in 1972 and shortly after he joined the US Navy, where he served for 3 years. He then returned to Kauai in 1975.
Mike was employed at the Lihue Planation before leaving with his family for California in 1981. There in California, he was employed by Southern California Edison Company for 20 years till retirement. In 2001 he and his family returned to Kauai. In 2003 he joined the Kauai Police department where he became a Police Officer until his retirement in 2018. In late 2021 he worked for Allied Universal at the Lihue Airport as an LEO till January 2024.
Mike preceded in death by his father Russell Marshall, mother Katherine Summers, brothers Russell Jr., Vernon Marshall, sister Corinna Elleson and his furry baby Mahea.
Mike is survived by his wife Melanie of 45 years, daughters Mandy-lee (Carlos) Martin, Marisa K. Marshall (Seiji) Yotsuda, grandchildren River Michael (Booboo), Kya Malia (Missy), Mia Ysabella (Mimi) (Jordan), great-grandchildren Ka‘ikena and Zion (Bula). Not to mention Mike furry babies Mahina, Kira and Kora. Siblings Rally (Danny) Kamai, Traven Kelekoma, Kirstie (Martin) Banda and Harlynn (Richard) Rodriquez all of Anaheim, California. Also survived by many uncles, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.
Our family would like to express an incredibly special thanks to Kauai Hospice, Nurse Sequioa Dahlberg, Shawn, Miriam, Elise, Ken, Dr. Monty Downs, Dr. Netzer, his nurse Kim and Kauai Memorial Gardens. Also, a special thanks to Mckenzie Metcalf
Services will be announced at a later date.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Janet C. Fujimoto
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved mother, Janet C. Fujimoto, who left us on Oct. 22, 2024 at the age of 86. Janet was a fierce and loving mother with a heart of gold. She was the heart of our home and family.
She is survived by her children Harvey (Colleen) Mira, Corinne (Matthew) Simao, Marlene (Joe Clark) Mira, David (Tim Flaherty) Mira, fur-baby April, sister Doris Schwarz, grandchildren Janelle (Chet) Kaita, Matthew (Vanessa) Simao, Corey (Nicole) Simao, Kellen (Kelcee) Mira, Taryn (Alex) Oubre, great-grandchildren Jai Kaita, Sage Simao and Evan Oubre.
She was preceded in death by husband Masao Fujimoto, daughter Mary Alice Mira, parents Amanicio and Anastacia Cabacungan, siblings Larry, Gloria, Linda and Milan.
She was a dedicated Secretary at Hertz for 31 years, where her strength and loyalty shone. She loved children and animals with all her heart. Generous, selfless, and always giving, she opened her home to those in need — people and animals and helped nurture two young boys in their early years, boys who were considered family in her heart.
Sports were her passion — especially UH volleyball, where she cheered on both the men’s and wahine teams like a true fan. When not watching sports, she could be found tending to her orchids or challenging anyone up for a good, competitive game of hanafuda, scrabble, or spirited poker games that often lasted all night.
She will be missed dearly.
A private service will be held later.
Juliana Afaga Bangkirig
Juliana Afaga Bangkirig, of Lihue, passed away on Oct. 27, 2024, at Wilcox Medical Center at the age of 91. She was born on Feb. 8, 1933, at Cabaruan, Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. She was a housekeeper.
She was preceded in death by her parents Juan Afaga and Potenciana Acpal Afaga, son Remigio Afaga Bangkirig, granddaughter-in-law Jesie Antonio Calilan, son-in-law Tirso Calilan, brother Jose Afaga, sisters Emilia A. Guerrero, Andrea A. Marquez, Paula Afaga, Leonora A. Ramil, Corazon A. Carnate and Cirila A. Bagaoisan.
Juliana is survived by her husband Andres Cacal Bangkirig Sr., sons Wilfredo A. Bangkirig of Lihue (Lydia) of Isabela, Philippines, Andres A. Bangkirig Jr. (Evangeline) of Lihue, daughters Elinor B. Calilan of Isabela, Philippines, Melvin Bangkirig of Lihue (Gaspar Daproza) of Ilocos Sur, Philippines, Dominga B. Cubangbang (Felino) of Lihue, Emma Bangkirig of Lihue (Jimmy Nagun) of Ilocos Norte, Philippines, Analyn B. Marquez (Eddie) of Lihue, daughter-in-law Roselelie Bangkirig of Isabela, Philippines, grandchildren Reynold Bangkirig (Rossana), Relly Bangkirig (Sharon), Dennis Bangkirig (Loida), Remyrose B. Madriaga (Roel), Freddie Ric Bangkirig (Nanie), Michael Calilan (Manilyn), Jayson Calilan, Dollyjane C. Chanthavong (Benny), Jesper Dave B. Cubangbang, Zhun Wilfred Bangkirig, Zajjig Wilfred Bangkirig, Jan Chester B. Nagun, Janeab Britney Shane B. Nagun, Julie Anne Rose B. Marquez, Edilyn Grace B. Marquez, Roselie Anne B. Marquez, Angeline Bangkirig, Angelica Bangkirig, great-grandchildren Rheyana Bangkirig, Rhyza Bangkirig, Shally Mae Bangkirig, Matt Andrei B. Madriaga, Mikka Abrielle B. Madriaga, Jefferson Calilan, Mitchlyn Calilan, numerous uncles, aunties, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawai. Visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. Celebration of life to follow at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Collette Puamelia Tovi
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Collette Puamelia Tovi, our beloved Mom and Grandma.
Collette Puamelia Tovi, of Hanamaulu, returned to our Heavenly Father on Dec. 2, 2024, at the age of 88. She was born on April 29, 1936, in Honolulu. She was a loving homemaker.
She is joined in heaven by her husband Tevita Mafi Tovi, son Keith Asuncion, parents Carl and Carrie Lanning, sisters Cherie Mendes, Lorraine Lanning, Carrie Carvalho, Abigail Swain, Beatrice Swain, brothers Carl Lanning Jr., Earl Lanning, Theodore Lanning, Errol Lanning and Titus Swain.
She is survived by her children Wayne (Theresa) Asuncion, Crystel (Randy) Chong Tim Sr., Clayton Asuncion, grandchildren Keoni (Chanda) Kiilau, Cindy (Ashley) Romero, Tasha (Francis Galves Jr.) Asuncion, Calvin (Desiree) Kiilau, Clifford (Deedee) Kiilau, Clifton (Haley) Asuncion, Carrie (Chucky Balucan) Asuncion, Karla Asuncion, 28 great-grandchildren, sisters Valorry Lanning, Leslie Lanning and numerous nieces and nephews.
To all that loved and knew her, please join the family on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at the LDS (Mormon) Church in Lihue. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by services at 10 a.m.
