Obituaries for Satruday, December 16, 2023

Constance Leigh Inch

On Oct. 4, 2023, Constance Leigh Inch, passed away in California while seeking medical treatment for a neurological disorder. An extraordinary individual, Connie was a born teacher, an unwavering advocate for special needs people, and someone who truly loved life to the fullest. Connie’s radiant spirit, unwavering positivity, and everlasting smile touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In the story of Connie’s life, we find the embodiment of compassion, dedication, and a profound love for others. Connie’s soul had a remarkable and unique gift. She had a true passion for sharing knowledge and wisdom with others. However, Connie went beyond being just a teacher. She was a beacon of inspiration to her students and all who worked with her. Connie’s classroom at Kapa‘a Elementary school was never confined to four walls. It extended to every corner of her life, as she taught valuable lessons in kindness, empathy, and the power of perseverance.

Connie’s remarkable journey did not stop at her classroom door. She was a tireless advocate for special needs individuals and a champion for those who too often go unheard. Connie was a voice for the silent, and her dedication was unwavering. In her quest to make the world a better place, Connie reminded us of the importance of inclusivity, understanding, and the boundless capacity for love and acceptance.

What truly set Connie apart was her extraordinary outlook on life. She radiated positivity. No matter the challenges that life presented, she always faced them with a smile. Connie had an unshakable belief in the goodness of people and that rare ability to see the best in everyone she met. Connie’s optimism was infectious and was a light that brightened even the darkest of days.

One of Connie’s favorite quotes was by Helen Keller. These beautiful words echo the positive outlook and eternal optimism with which Connie lived her life; “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

Connie’s love story was that of a fairy tale. She married Major, her high school sweetheart, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love, respect, and unwavering commitment. For 56 years their relationship served as a beautiful example of what love should be – a bond that grows stronger with time; built on trust and mutual admiration.

Connie had a deep love for Kaua‘i and its people. She cherished the beauty of the island and the warmth of its residents. Connie had a real affection for plein-air painting, and she loved capturing the beauty of Kaua‘i in her journeys around the island. Kaua‘i held a special place in her heart, and she shared that love with all of us, reminding us of the beauty in this world and the importance of appreciating the simple pleasures it has to offer.

To celebrate her life, let us all remember the invaluable lessons Connie taught — Be kind… Be advocates for those who need it most… See the good in others… Smile in the face of adversity… Live life to the fullest… And above all, LOVE DEEPLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY.

Dr. Hazel Keiko Ogawa-Lerman

Dr. Hazel Keiko Ogawa-Lerman, 85, naturopathic physician, passed away Dec. 6, 2023, at Hale Pulama Mau (House of Enduring Care) at Kuakini Medical Center, Honolulu, after a prolonged illness following a Covid vaccine. She also received care from Island Hospice.

She had a private practice at 1150 South King St., Honolulu, for 30 years.

Naturopathic medicine was her third career.

She was born at Port Allen, Kaua‘i, in 1937, to William Juzo and Florence Umeko Ogawa, the third of four children, including sister Frances and brothers Earl and Glenn. The children were baptized at St. John Episcopal Church in ‘Ele‘ele. Hazel attended ‘Ele‘ele Elementary School, Holy Cross School in Kalaheo, and St. Andrew’s Priory in Honolulu. She earned a BSN (nursing) at Idaho State. She was head operating nurse at St. Luke’s Hospital, San Francisco. She married Paul Lerman in 1973 and moved to Portland, Ore., where she joined the operating room staff at Emanuel Hospital.

She began a second career—in natural foods-managing two stores in Portland. She sought a masters in nutrition counseling, for which she enrolled at Bastyr University in Seattle. She soon entered its naturopathic medicine program, graduating with honors as a doctor in 1989 at age 51, and launched her third career, as a physician.

Dr. Ogawa-Lerman was a member of Koboji Shingon Buddhist Temple and attended services at Cathedral of St. Andrew. She was a longtime season ticket holder of UH Whine and Warrior volleyball teams. She also held season tickets at Diamond Head Theater, and was a sustaining member of Hawai‘i Public Radio and PBS Hawai‘i. She championed the daily press as a longtime subscriber to the Star-Bulletin and Star-Advertiser.

Equally long term: she and Paul lived in a cottage on Alewa Drive for 30 years and drove the same Honda Civic for 30 years. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in October.

Upon retirement at 80, she and Paul joined the Willed Body Program of UH Medical School to support its instruction and research. Her life will be celebrated at the annual commemoration of donors to Willed Body, and her ashes will be interred at the columbarium of the Cathedral of St. Andrew with a plaque honoring her.

She is survived by brother Glenn Ogawa of Kalaheo and husband Paul Lerman of Honolulu.

Ernesto G. Tomacder

Ernesto G. Tomacder passed away on Nov. 14, 2023, in Lihu‘e at the age of 91. He was born on May 10, 1932, in the Philippines. He was a kitchen utility worker.

He was preceded in death by wife Rosaria Tomacder, parents Cresenciano and Juliana Tomacder, brother Doming Tomacder and sister Brigida (Marcos) Bustillos.

He is survived by wife Sonia Tomacder, sons Jovenciano Tomacder, Juni (Marilou) Tomacder, Ernie (Lisa) Tomacder, Esmeraldo (Resa) Tomacder, Marlon (Pua) Tomacder, daughters Marieta (Narcisco) Garcia, Alma Harrison, brother Julian Tomacder, 28 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life is Saturday, Dec. 16, at Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary in Koloa. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., service at 10:45 a.m., and burial will follow at Kaua‘i Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.

Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

MaryJane (Ruiz) Vegas

MaryJane (Ruiz) Vegas formerly of Kaua‘i and Kailua, born on Dec. 7, 1934, received her wings on Nov. 7, 2023.

She was pre-deceased by her husband of 60 years John Vegas, Sr.

She was preceded in death by sisters Rose Medeiros, Shirley Cambra, Millie Ruiz, brother Damascio Ruiz, Jr., brother-in-law Herbert Cambra and sister-in-law Edith Ruiz.

She is survived by brother Donald Ruiz, sister-in-law Thelma Ruiz, children Jeffrey Vegas (Kerena), Johnna Vegas, John Vegas, Jr. (Lisa), Jennifer Vegas, Jocelyn Awong (Tommy), 15 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery, on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, immediate family viewing at 9 a.m., public invited at 9:30 a.m., services to follow. Burial at Hawai‘i State Veterans Cemetery at 1 p.m.

A celebration of their lives will be held on Kaua‘i at a later date.

Setsuko Kobayashi

Setsuko Kobayashi passed away on Nov. 13, 2023, at her home in Koloa, Kaua‘i, at the age of 90. She was born in Koloa to Tokuichi and Kinu Hadama on March 4, 1933, and retired as a cook from the Wilcox Hospital cafeteria.

The youngest of 5 children, Setsuko and her siblings were invited by their neighbor in Oma‘o to attend the “brown church” in Koloa. During her childhood days of attending Sunday School and learning about the Bible, Setsuko decided to place her faith and trust in Jesus and to receive Him as her personal Lord and Savior. She did her best to live a life committed to the Lord and to raise up her children and grandchildren according to the truth of God’s Word.

Setsuko will always be remembered for her sweet smile, her heart of gratitude and her ability to live in the moment. Although her memory declined in her final years, she never forgot to say thank you to family and friends she spent time with. The joy of the Lord continued to be her strength until she took her final breath here on earth. Setsuko loved doing word search puzzles and attending the Kauai Adult Day Health Center where she enjoyed playing bingo, trivia and charades. She also loved singing and we know that she is now singing with the angels in her eternal home in heaven.

Setsuko was preceded in death by her husband Toshio Kobayashi, her parents Tokuichi and Kinu Hadama, her sisters Kiyono Sato, Shigeko Ogata, her brothers Richard Fumio Hadama and Walter Masami Hadama.

She is survived by her daughters Laurie (Michael) Depoe of ‘Ele‘ele, Lynne Kobayashi of Koloa, son Miles (Mary Jean) Kobayashi of Lihu‘e, grandchildren Jaycie, Sean, Kody, Allan Jeremy (Taylor), Mikaela, Madden, Arahbella, great-granddaughter Ayla, numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at the Garden Island Mortuary in Lawa‘i on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Services will start at 10:30 a.m. with lunch to follow. Burial services will be held at the Hanapepe Veterans Cemetery at 1 p.m. The family suggests casual attire and requests that flowers be omitted.

The family would like to extend a very special Mahalo to the Kaua‘i Hospice team for all their love, support and encouragement that they provided.

Garden Island Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Michael Wayne Kiyabu

Michael Wayne Kiyabu, 76, passed away on Nov. 29, 2023, in Kapa‘a. He was born on May 9, 1947, in Hawai‘i. He was in the U.S. Navy and a retired Kaua‘i Police Officer.

He was preceded in death by mother Hatsuko Kiyabu, aunts Rita S. Kiyabu and Theresa Braun.

He is survived by wife Lori R. Kiyabu, son Michael K.G. Kiyabu (Michael Haritos), daughters Lori G.K. (Glen) Balisacan, Kristy Sasachika (Chance Kinney), stepdaughter Liana (Randall) Koerte, sister Teri Kaluahine, brothers Larry Fernandez, Eddie Fernandez, grandchildren Norven Balisacan, Kingston Kinney, Roman Kinney, Royal Kinney, Kannon Kinney, beloved pets Orion, Kitty, Tang, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at later date.

Borthwick Kaua‘i Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.