Obituaries for Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Norman Kuakini Waipa Akana Jr.
Norman Kuakini Waipa Akana Jr.
Norman Kuakini Waipa Akana Jr. passed away on March 17, 2023 in Waimea, at the age of 48. He was born on Nov. 27, 1974, in Waimea. He was a communications technician with HP Communications.
He was preceded in death by father Norman K.W. Akana Sr. and grandparents Soloman and Margret Akana and Leon and Suzie Duclayan.
He is survived by son Makana Kealoha Akana of Oregon, daughter Kawehi Leina‘ala (Robert Head) Akana of ‘Ele‘ele, grandchildren Ryan Makoa Head and Brody La‘akea Head, mother Priscilla Akana Stephenson, sister Desiree Duclayan of Hanama‘ulu, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Saturday, May 6, at Koke‘e State Park. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. followed by a service. The family requests casual attire and please bring a lei.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Eladio Victor Pescador
Eladio Victor Pescador, 81, passed away at home on March 28, 2023. He was born on Feb. 18, 1942, in Sto. Tomas, Pangasinan, Philippines, and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was the proprietor of Jack’s Taxi until 2018, and worked in food and beverage service at various hotels.
He was preceded in passing by parents Felipe and Isabel Pescador.
He is survived by wife Saturnina “Nena” Cadiz Pescador, children Joan (Kevin) Luis, Jane (Edmund) Gandia, Jack (Mary Ann) Pescador and Annabelle (Jim) Battulayan, grandchildren Ashlyn, Kirstee and Easton Luis, Jayden and Erika Gandia, Maysin (Kylie), Isaiah and Nathan Pescador, Jensen, Jeiana and Jeyven Battulayan, great-grandchild Kaimana Pescador, siblings Maximo (Purita) Pescador, Linda (Tony, deceased), and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of life is Friday, May 5, with a viewing at Kaua‘i Veterans Center from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, May 6, at Immaculate Conception Church, with viewing from 8 a.m. and Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery at 1 p.m.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ikona Ivan Fernandez
October 14, 1999 – March 30, 2023
Ikona Ivan Fernandez was born at the Wilcox Memorial Hospital on Oct. 14, 1999. From that day on he was a light in so many people’s lives. His love for his family was unlike any other. He was a farmer and owner of Loyal To Da Lepo.
He was preceded in death by grandparents Rawlin Kamaka Fernandez Sr. and Pastora Cayabyab.
He is survived by parents Amparo and Kamaka Fernandez III, grandparents Elaine Fernandez and Guillermo Cayabyab, siblings Meleana, Makanalei and Po‘okela, girlfriend Kela Wood, mother and father-in-law Yantini and Matthew Wood, brothers-in-law Dane, Raka and Jae, fur babies Kalihiwai Marley, Mauka Kimo, Nala Nohili and Kalehuamakanoe, and numerous uncles, aunties and cousins.
His legacy will be continued through his family, friends, and anyone who perpetuates aloha ‘aina.
A celebration of life is at Anahola Clubhouse on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. with service to follow.
Loyal To Da Lepo always and forever.
Guy Seichi Moriguchi
Guy Seichi Moriguchi passed away on March 10, 2023 in Los Angeles, at the age 63. He was born on June 8, 1959, in Honolulu. He was an operations manager at Aqua Engineers on Kaua‘i.
He was preceded in death by father Charles T. Moriguchi.
He is survived by wife Shirley Moriguchi, daughters Kyra (Evan Kuribayashi) Moriguchi and Mallory (Kane) Zalopany, sons Bryce Yoshida and Grant Yoshida, mother Betty S. Moriguchi, in-laws Thomas and Nives Soriano and Reuben and Florence Yoshida, grandchildren Emma Kuribayashi, Kolt Kuribayashi, Alaka‘i Zalopany, Kaniela Zalopany and Kala‘i Zalopany, siblings Duane (Denise) Moriguchi, Eric (Janell) Moriguchi, Irineo (Thelma) Soriano, Ruben (Darlene) Soriano, Emilie (Domi) Bucasas, Edwin (Luz) Soriano, Jason Yoshida and Todd Yoshida, nieces and nephew Ashlie Moriguchi, Hali‘a Moriguchi, Justin (Mariah Navor) Moriguchi and Maddux Moriguchi.
A celebration of life is Friday, May 12, at Kaua‘i Veterans Center in Lihu‘e, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. and service to follow at 4 p.m.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Janice Aiko Sadamitsu
Janice Aiko Sadamitsu, of Lihu‘e, passed away on March 22, 2023 at her residence in San Gabriel, California, at the age of 77. She was born on June 12, 1945, in Lihu‘e. She was an elementary school teacher for more than 34 years, with the Garvey School District in San Gabriel, California.
She was preceded in death by parents Minoru and Hatsuko Sadamitsu and brothers Stanley and Wayne Sadamitsu.
She is survived by sister Sharon (Gary) Morita of Kalaheo, brother Richard (Carol) Sadamitsu of Lihu‘e, sisters-in-law Ethel Sadamitsu and Jane Sadamitsu of Lihu‘e, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Private services will be held at a later date. The family requests no koden.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Emilia Manzano Cera
Emilia Manzano Cera passed away on April 6, 2023, in Lihue, at the age of 84.
She was born on Jan. 21, 1939, in Santiago, Ilocos Sur, Philippines.
She was preceded in death by husband Cornelio Cera, brothers Antonio Manzano and Florencio Manzano, and sisters Sabina Manzano, Filomina Manzano and Marcelina Panit.
She is survived by sisters Trinidad Dela Cruz and Leonora Astero, brother Romulo (Nelly) Manzano, daughter Sarah Cera, son Valentin Cera, and granddaughter Kiana Emilia Annunziata.
A service is Saturday, May 13, at St. Catherine Church in Kapa‘a. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dr. Clyde Takeshi Ishida
Dr. Clyde Takeshi Ishida, 72, of Kapa‘a, passed away on March 14, 2023. He was born in Lihu‘e on April 10, 1950, and retired as a dentist in private practice.
He was preceded in death by wife Mary Taft Ishida.
He is survived by fiancé Susan Mukai, children Emily Ishida and Timothy Ishida, grandchildren Selah Medeiros and Asher Medeiros, sister Charlene (Mitchell, deceased) Quinones, brother Clarence (Jan) Ishida Jr., nieces and nephews Shelley Quinones Thomas, Kenji (Kristin Anderson) Quinones, Brett (Leeanne) Ishida, Chad Ishida and Nichole Ishida, and numerous cousins.
A celebration of life is Sunday, May 7, at Kapa‘a Hongwanji, with services beginning at noon.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Russell J. Maeda
Russell J. Maeda, 75, passed away on April 2, 2023. He was a Vietnam veteran and a retired contractor. He was born on Jan. 21, 1948 in Lihu‘e.
He was preceded in death by father Tetsuro “Rosy” Maeda.
He is survived by wife Charlotte Maeda, sons Donavan and Darren White, mother Bessie T. Maeda, brother Darryl K. Maeda, sisters Gale (Alfred) Domingsel and Rachel (Henry) Furutani, grandchildren Cody and Alex White, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is Saturday, May 6, at Lihu‘e Christian Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and service to start at 11 a.m.
The family is requesting no flowers or koden, only your presence to bid him aloha.
A private inurnment will be held at the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Bessie T. Maeda
Bessie T. Maeda, 97, passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2023. She was born in Lihu‘e on July 16, 1925, and worked as a secretary for Mokihana Insurance and Dean Y. Ishii Insurance Company.
She was preceded in death by husband Tetsuro “Rosy” Maeda, son Russell J. Maeda, and parents Jihei and Eleanor Miura.
She is survived by son Darryl K. Maeda, daughters Gale (Alfred) Domingsel and Rachel (Henry) Furutani, grandchildren Ryan (Annabel) Domingsel, Ryden (Jennifer) Domingsel, Jodi (Lester) Kunimitsu, Derek (Lani) Maeda, Marci (Adrian) Fernandez, Shelly (Joseph) Cassler, Donavan White and Darren White, and 14 great-grandchildren.
A private service will be held at a later date. The family requests in lieu of flowers and monetary gifts, you think of a memory you had of Bessie and hopefully it will warm your heart and make you smile.
“Grandma B,” as she was known to our family, lived a full life until the very end, and was surrounded by family every night during her last month here on earth. She was our bond, and will be missed.
Mahalo to Kaua‘i Hospice and her caregivers Mary Jean, Vangie, Clestine and Arlene, for all the loving care you provided to Grandma B. You all became family to us.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Helen Morihisa
Helen Morihisa, of Kilauea, passed away on April 11, 2023 in Lihu‘e, at the age of 66. She was born on April 30, 1956, in Hanalei. She was a housekeeper and janitor.
She was preceded in death by parents Hisashi and Fumie Morihisa.
She is survived by sister Sherlene (Larry Sharpley) Morihisa of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is Saturday, May 6, 2023 at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation is from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a celebration of life.
The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers and koden (monetary gifts) be omitted.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Darlene Ruth Souza Soares
Darlene Ruth Souza Soares passed away on March 13, 2023, at her residence in Kalaheo, at the age of 66. She was born on Nov. 18, 1956, on O‘ahu. She was a certified nurses aide.
She was preceded in death by husband Gordon Ray Soares Sr., son Gordan R. Soares, father Clarence Souza Sr. and mother Jeannette (Gary) Matsumura.
She is survived by sons Gordon (Adrienne Brown) Soares Jr. of Kalaheo and David (Misty) Soares of Kalaheo, grandchildren Kalen (Jenna Cadiente) Soares, Maegan (Ryan Emayo-Schmidt) Soares, David Soares Jr. Devin Soares and Mckenna Soares, beloved dogs Hina and Luna, brother Clarence (Joyce) Souza Jr. of Kalaheo, sister Lori (Darren) Souza-Sanekane of Kalaheo, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service is at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo on Saturday, May 20. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by a celebration of life.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
Stanley Albinio Kinimaka
Stanley Albinio Kinimaka, 35, of Wailua, passed away on Dec. 21, 2022 at Pali Momi Medical Center. He was born on May 8, 1987, in Renton, Washington. He previously served in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard.
He was preceded in death by mother Janine Kinimaka, maternal grandparents Stanley and Judy Sato and paternal grandparents David and Florence Kinimaka.
He is survived by daughters Harper, Paisley, Logan and Kaylen Kinimaka, father Hartwell Kinimaka, brothers Dave, Jeff, Alika and Kanea Kinimaka, sisters Johannah and Rowena Kinimaka, and numerous aunties, uncles and cousins.
Family and friends may visit with the family on Saturday, May 6, at Westside Christian Center. Visitation is from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by service at 10 a.m. The family suggests casual or aloha attire.
Dennis Yoshito and Donna ‘Manu’ Manulani Kahalekomo Tokuoka
Being married for 45 years is truly romantic, and this was a true love story for Dennis Yoshito and Donna “Manu” Manulani Kahalekomo Tokuoka. Dennis was a quiet and humble king who adored his wife, and always treated her as his queen. These two peas in a pod were inseparable until the very end.
It is with great love, honor and respect to announce that our parents Dennis and Donna “Manu” have embarked on a new adventure. They have returned home to our heavenly Father. Dennis was born on Dec. 12, 1947, in Pa‘ia, Maui, and departed this mortal life on March 23, 2023. His beautiful wife Donna “Manu” who was born on Jan. 3, 1947, in Waimea, joined him 18 days later on April 10, 2023. They lived in Kihei, Maui.
Dennis retired as a supervisor for state of Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, Plant Qurantine Department and Aloha Airlines. Donna retired from state of Hawai‘i Airport Visitor Information program.
Dennis and Donna are survived by siblings Grace (Owen) Masaki, Roy Tokuoka, Ann (Alan) Nouchi, Kaulei (Joyce) Kahalekomo, Keenan (Susan) Keuma, Kainoa (Healani) Keuma, Frank (Laura) Keuma and Charlene (Dave) Kerwin, and sisters-in-law Verlyn “Lindy” Keuma and Delayne (Glennis) Pai, Children Donville Lee, Duelane (Nelson) Rita, Dwyle (Jacque) Lee and Dynamite (Liselle) Lee, Grandchildren Jennie (Andrizelle Carlson) Lee, Jhase (Michele Inamasu) Lee, Kaylene “Kalun” (Bryn) Rita, Kahi (Robin) Rita, Clinton (Shalea) Rita, Hoku (Tisha) Dusenberry-Lee, Kala (Pili) Dusenberry-Lee, Kila (Mikayla) Dusenberry-Lee, Jaime (Dustin) Villatora, Jenna Iwasaki and Tobias (Niah) Iwasaki, Great-grandchildren Kiana, KY, Kayn “Yoshito,” Kyri, Deegan, Nui, Kawena “Manulani,” Dreyson, Ares “Pono,” Astraea, Achilles Rita, Audreyana, Noelani Dusenberry-Lee, twins Charlie and Madison Lee, Justis Martins, DJ, Damon, Hulali, Dominic Villatora, Kiyomi Blake and Akemi Gampong, and numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunties and cousins.
Dennis and Donna are preceded by their parents Takashi “Robert” and Chiyoko “Joan” Tokuoka, John and Jennie Keuma, and John Opupele, and brothers Dalsay, Wilton and Daniel Keuma.
Family and friends are invited to a joint service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Kahului Hawai‘i Stake Center, on May 20. The address is 125 W. Kamehameha Ave. Viewing will be at 9:30 a.m. and service to begin at 11 a.m.
Online condolences may be made at www.nakamuramortuary.com.
Joseph Grace
Joseph Grace, “Uncle Joe,” passed away on March 20, 2023, at his residence, at the age of 78. He was born on Nov. 3, 1944 in North Kona, Hawai‘i Island.
He was a chef at Waiohai and Po‘ipu Beach Hotel, Ka‘anapali Beach Hotel and Maui Lu Hotel, a mason with Robert Kaya Builders, O‘ahu and Shioi Construction, Inc., a Kaua‘i Youth Baseball Association and Americans of Japanese Ancestry umpire, KYBA coach (Koloa, Kalawai and Hanapepe), Koloa Pop Warner coach (from the 1970s to the 1990s he gave his time to many children), and proprietor of KJ’S Lunch Wagon and its “Famous Roast Pork.”
He was preceded in death by mother Lillian A. Nelsen (Grace), in-laws Paul Silva Sr. and Helen Silva (Kalama), grandson Kaina Kaneakua, hanai parents Elmer “Gabby” Gaspar Sr. and Alice “Big Mama” Gaspar (Graca), brothers Elmer, Pa‘u, Johnny, Kana, Hanalei and Gaspar, and sisters Kaleo and Kalamau Gaspar and Kuchi Grace.
He is survived by wife of 55 years Paulette Grace (Silva), sons Kamanu (Jaime) Grace, Kanani Grace, Shawn Grace and Joseph K. Grace, daughters JoNel (David) Tafiti, Sandra Bodon, Melviann Grace, Coral Castillo, Dodie Kahai and Jolene Grace, sisters Momi (Wally) Friedlande, Josephine Cabilin and Gerry Palacat, goddaughters Margret Joyce Gaspar Magno, Chablis Kekua, Kwai Gaspar and Tina Nip, grandchildren Shana Tafiti, Kristen Grace, Tauina Tafiti, Deannalynn Tafiti, Deidrelynn Tafiti, Kamalani Hodges, U‘ilani Tafiti, Kaedin Grace, Shaestin Grace, Desha Tafiti, Daelin Grace, Amaezin Grace and Ayzlee Grace, and many more grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
A celebration of life is Saturday, May 13, at Kukuiula Small Boat Harbor (grass area) from 10 to 3 p.m. The family requests casual attire and graciously declines flowers.