Mildred Shirai
Mildred Shirai, of ‘Ele‘ele, passed away on July 12, 2023, at her residence at the age of 87. She was born on May 4, 1936, in Makaweli Hospital. She was a retired banker (Operation Supervisor).
He was preceded in death by husband Akira Shirai.
She is survived by sons Craig Y. Shirai of ‘Ele‘ele, Derrick N. Shirai of ‘Ele‘ele, sisters Ethel M. Jimmy Okada of Waimea, Eleanor K. Takanishi of California, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Private services were held. The family requests no koden (monetary gifts).
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with the arrangements.
Cecil Gale Bennett
Cecil Gale Bennett was born on March 13, 1937, and passed away peacefully on July 14, 2023, after many years of medical issues. Cecil was born and raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and joined the National Guard as a gunner in his late teens. After the National Guard, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1957 and proudly served as a Senior Machinery Repair Chief (E8) for 18 years, until his retirement in 1976. While in the Navy, and stationed at Pearl Harbor, Cecil met his wife, Mary Jane Tavares, a local girl from Kalaheo, Kaua‘i, who was a nurse. They were married on Sept. 30, 1961, and went on to have three children. His first born, and his only son, Jeffrey Cecil Bennett, died in 1984, just shy of his 22nd birthday while saving a young girl’s life. Over the course of his lifetime, Cecil worked as a machinist, repairman, and machinist trade instructor, among other things. He served on the USS Radford, USS Bryce Canyon, and USS Bausell.
In his spare time, Cecil loved to do woodworking, metal working and anything that involved building with his hands. He loved to stay busy and could never remain idle for too long. He restored a 1916 Maxwell and a 1940 Model A and even made his own parts when he couldn’t find them anywhere else.
Cecil and Mary were fortunate enough to be able to travel all over the world, from China to Europe, Japan, and Portugal, and they made many friends along the way. Cecil also spent many hours in the kitchen cooking and baking for his family and friends – he especially enjoyed baking cookies with his granddaughters, Hayden and Kaitlyn and teaching his grandson Tyler to cook his favorite recipes.
Cecil was preceded in death by his beloved son Jeff, his mother Myrtle May Moore, his father Cecil Lossen Bennett, his stepfather Glen “Whitey” White, his brother Samuel “Thomas” Bennett, and sisters Jody Sparks and Trudy Eastman.
Cecil is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary, and daughters Catherine Bennett and Susan Bennett, and his three grandchildren, Tyler, Hayden, and Kaitlin DuCray. He is also survived by his brother Doug White, brother-in-law, Marvin Tavares, who he loved like a brother and his many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Disabled American Veterans and Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Cecil’s graveside services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery, followed at 12 p.m. for his celebration of life at The Dante Club.
Carole Porfiria Nacion
Carole Porfiria Nacion, of ‘Ele‘ele, passed away peacefully at her home on July 12, 2023, at the age of 92. She was born on Nov. 4, 1930 in Lihu‘e. Throughout her life she worked as a radio announcer for KUAI radio, PBX operator and HR secretary for Sheraton Kauai Resort, island representative for Local 5 Union, HR director for Sheraton Coconut Beach Hotel and retired as a secretary for Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo.
She was preceded in death by parents Jose and Victoria Tabuso, sister Remy Ramos, brothers Sonny and Jose Tabuso, and husband Nicolas Nacion Sr.
She is survived by son Nicolas Nacion Jr., daughters Vicki (Ken Sato) Valenciano, Ester Jayne (Eddie Iloreta) Brown, Shandra Jei Macatee, grandsons Robert (Brandy) Chang, Anthony (Marisa) Chang, Cole (Ryan) Valenciano, Maluhia Castillo, granddaughter Shaina Nacion and three great-grandsons.
Friends may visit the family on Saturday, Aug. 5, at Holy Cross Church in Kalaheo. Visitation begins at 8:30 a.m. and Mass is celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.
Neil Manguchei
Neil Manguchei, 74, of Kapa‘a, passed away on Saturday, July 15, 2023. He was born to John and Margaret Manguchei on July 6, 1949, at Wilcox Memorial Hospital. He worked most of his life as a bartender, but most recently worked as a truck driver and courier before retiring.
He is survived by children Cheris (Nardo) Manguchei-Nacnac, Neilson (Kele) Manguchei, Nathan (Tina) Manguchei, grandchildren Tianne Manguchei, Ashlie Manguchei, Mason Nacnac, Chael Manguchei, Nathaneil Manguchei, great-granddaughter Lily Garma, step-granddaughter Lenele Rodrigues, hanai granddaughter Alena Keohokapu, sister Joanne (James) Manguchei, brothers Kenneth (Ilima) Manguchei, David Manguchei, and companion Lara Sadora.
Please join the Manguchei family for a celebration of life on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at Lydgate Park, beachside below the soccer fields. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. followed by heavy pupu and soft drinks.
Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home is assisting families with arrangements.
Derek Akira Wasano
Derek Akira Wasano, of Lihu‘e, passed away on May 27, 2023, in Lihu‘e. He was born on Aug. 17, 1971, in Lihue. He was a truck driver.
He was preceded in death by father Dennis Isao Wasano.
He is survived by son Dylan Wasano of Puhi, mother Mary Wasano of California, brother Gregg (Julie) Zieman of Massachusetts, sisters Melissa Wasano of Kapa‘a, Marnie Wasano of California, nephews Isaiah Tomacder of California, Lawakua Brown of Kapa‘a, nieces Zia and Zoe Zieman of Massachusetts, girlfriend Leiko Shimazu, numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
A service is Saturday, Aug. 5, at Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. and a celebration of life to follow at 10 a.m.
Derek’s ashes will be united with his father and grandparents at a later date. Following the service, there will be a convoy. Everyone is welcome to join. The family suggests casual attire and requests no flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.
