Obituaries

Pelenaise 'Ofeina Kauvaka

Sunrise: 7/26/1958

Sunset: 6/11/2021

She passed away with her family at her side at Kaiser Moanalua Hospital.

A Daughter of the Late Tu'i Vaihoi Vailea Saulala & Mafile'o Talakai of Leimatu'a Vava'u

Married Vaihola Kauvaka of Feletoa, Vavau on October 9, 1983 at the Lahaina Tongan Church of Jesus Christ of The Latter Day Saints. 

1 son Sione Toetu'u & 1 daughter Losaline Malafu & 6 grandkids Lillian, Andrew, Sioana, Ezra, Halatoaongo, & Tualau Ofa.

She was an active member of the Lahaina Tongan Church of Jesus Christ of The Latter Day Saints.

She loved being around family & friends, enjoyed music, loved dancing, & talented knitter. 

Thank you for joining our family at my mothers celebration of life.

Rest in Love Pelenaise 'Ofeina Fapiola Vailea Saulala Kauvaka

You will be missed...

Toka a ihe nonga mom...

Tu'a 'Eiki 'ofa atu...

Caroline Ann Plunkett Tavares, 84

Caroline Ann Plunkett Tavares passed away peacefully at home on June 10, 2021, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years James “Jimmy T.” J. Tavares; Daughters; Joanne L. Tengan (Wayne), Jamina Ann Javier (Jerry), Son; Kenneth E. Tavares (Charlotte), 6 grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great Great Grandchildren.

Private Family Service will be held Norman’s Mortuary.

Public Service will be held at St. Joseph Church in Makawao on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Mass at 10:00 a.m.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, strict precautions will be maintained. Temperature checks & masks will be required for those who attend and social distancing will be maintained.

Norman’s Mortuary Online Condolences: www.normansmortuary.com

Cecilia “Syl” Aalona Ahlo, 80, of Kailua-Kona, passed away on May 28th at home. Born in Kahuku, Oahu, she worked in the KTA produce department for many years.

Services held.

She is survived by her sons, Alfred Pagaduan of Tacoma, Wa, Eugene Pagaduan of Ocean View, Jeffrey Pagaduan and Jerry Conn of Kona; daughters, Kerisa (Robert) Carmelo of Kona, Pammie (Michael) Bedsaul of Hilo and Tabu (Mark) Ahlo of Ocean View; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Alyson Shizue Kitaoka, 40, of Makawao, passed away on June 2, 2021 at Maui Memorial Medical Center. She was born on October 24, 1980 in Wailuku Maui, Hawaii.

Alyson is survived by her father, Rodney Kitaoka, sister, Jill (Steven) Ly; and nephew, Lucas Ly. She is predeceased by her mother Mae, and brother, Casey.

Alyson was a 1998 graduate of Baldwin High School and then attended the University of Hawaii where she earned her degree in Business. “Al” moved back to Maui in 2016 and spent the last 3 years working for the County of Maui in the Real Property Division.

Al lived a life full of enthusiasm and joy. Her bubbly personality was infectious and she had the ability to make people smile. She had a spiritual love of the ocean and spent many hours at the beach, swimming and tanning in the sun. She also had a passion for baking and she would proudly share her creative treats with her family, friends and co-workers.

We will all miss Alyson but feel comforted knowing that she will be reuniting with her dear Mom, Brother, Grandparents and her doggie, Sami.

Private services to be held.

Veronica “Vera” Anne Lockwood (nee Freitas) (85), passed away at her home in Yorba Linda, California, on Saturday, May 8, 2021.

Born March 8, 1936, in Paia, Maui, Vera Freitas, nicknamed “Snookie,” was raised in Makawao, the youngest of nine children. She attended Holy Rosary Church Elementary School in Paia, and graduated in 1954 from St. Anthony High School in Wailuku. The following year she married William Lockwood and moved to California where they raised four children. Her life’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Her Portuguese Maui roots came through loud and clear in her love of laughter, jokes and “talk story.” She enjoyed bowling and golf and had a passion for travel. Her faith defined her. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, she attended daily morning mass and was deeply devoted to her Roman Catholic faith throughout her entire life.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph & Helen Freitas, her husband, William (1992), longtime partner Lawrence King (2013), granddaughter, Dana Ryan (1989) and her eight siblings.

She will be deeply missed by her four children Bill (Diane) Lockwood, Howard (Nancy) Lockwood, Denise Zirschky (Mike) and Taryn Laux (Gary); eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial mass is slated for 10 am, Friday, June 25 at St. Martin de Porres Church in Yorba Linda, California. A celebration of life is planned for Maui in March of 2022.

Frank Nicolas passed away on Thursday, June 3, 2021 at the age of 78, at his home in Makawao, after a late diagnosis of stage four lung cancer.

Frank was born to Emilio and Mary Nicolas on June 4, 1942 in Paia, Maui and grew up in Dream City. He attended Holy Rosary School, St. Anthony High School, and Maui Community College.

Frank loved God, family, and country. He was a devout Roman Catholic, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a retired Airman.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Michelle Davis (Bobby D.) and sister Diane Rook (Michael).

He is survived by his wife Anna (née Jacintho), sons Jerome (Randall) and Justin (Alexis), brother Emilio, Jr. (a.k.a. Nick) and sister Cathy, grandchildren Bobby L. Davis and Emma Christensen, cat Midnight, and grand-dogs Mrs. Dash and Maui.

Frank will be remembered for his love of cigarettes (unfortunately), coffee, iced tea, superhero t-shirts, local diners, the Andy Griffith Show and Westerns. He will be missed for his kindness and generosity of spirit, sage advice (solicited and unsolicited), and Dad jokes.

Services will be held on Wednesday, June 30th at Norman’s Mortuary in Wailuku. Family visitation at 8:30, public visitation at 9:00 am and prayer service at 10:00 am. Private burial to follow.

Our hearts are full of gratitude for the love and support given by family, friends, and neighbors.

We would also like to thank Island Hospice and BAYADA for their exceptional care and support over the past few months.

Eternal rest grant him O Lord; and may light perpetual shine upon him.

Paul Phillip Flynt, 51, of Portland, OR, passed away on June 18th at Pohai Malama Care Choices. Born in California, he became a social worker, saving numerous lives, and was a lifetime honorary member of the Alano Club.

Services to be announced at a later date.

He is survived by his mother, Lori Lee Seward; step-father, Roger W. Seward; brother, Andrew Richard Flynt; sister, Hope (Paul) DeLaney, parents of Selah Delaney; nephew, Jackie Paul Flynt; godchildren, Jax Jackson and Declan Jackson.

Elton Sambrano, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Maui Memorial Hospital. Born on December 11, 1949, in Lahaina, Maui, he was the son of Joseph and Peggy Sambrano.

Elton graduated from Lahainaluna High School, and then served in the U.S. Airforce. He later worked at Kaanapali Beach Hotel, where he met his wife of 47 years, Patsy Sambrano. Elton found his calling in accounting and finance, spending most of his career with Marriott.

Elton was a devoted father and loving husband, who gave everything to provide his family with opportunities he could only dream of as a child. He will be remembered by many as a mentor, who was always willing to take the time to help his friends, colleagues, and family.

He is predeceased by his mother and father, Peggy and Joseph Sambrano; and his brother Harold Sambrano. Elton is survived by his wife, Patsy Sambrano; sons, Erich (Jennifer Ferreira) Sambrano, Byron (Lindi Sato) Sambrano; daughter, Alexis (Philip Akeo) Sambrano, and grandchildren, Haven, Gabby, Tori, Sophia, Ayva, Lucas, and Harlee. Also surviving are his brothers Edwin, Calvin, and Ronald Sambrano and sisters Esther McKivor and Joyce Wada.

In honor of Elton’s wishes, no services are being held.

Gene Royal Hardy

June 9, 1929 – June 1, 2021

Gene Royal Hardy, 91, of Kailua Kona, Hawaii died June 1, 2021 in Kealakekua. He was born June 9, 1929, in Seattle, Washington. Gene worked as a pastry chef.

He is survived by his wife Mary Cris; sons Royal Hardy of Honolulu, Hawaii;

Lesley Hardy of Salem, Oregon; daughters Airial Hardy of Cebu, Philippines; Pamela (Stan) Lance of Maui, Hawaii; Rachelle (Scott) Berestoff of Spokane, Washington; Melanie (Andreas) Gnauck of Austin, Texas; Marcella (Franck) Chiron of Austin, Texas; fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Old Airport Park, Kona.

Kevin McLeod Thomasson

July 31, 1973 – June 10, 2021

Kevin McLeod Thomasson, 47, of Waikoloa, Hawaii died June 10, 2021 in Waikoloa. He was born July 31, 1973, in Houston, Texas. Kevin worked in Sales for the Hotel Industry.

He is survived by his father George H. Thomasson Jr. of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; his sister Chandra Thomasson Bartlett and her husband Bennett S. Bartlett of Beaumont, Texas.

Private services will be held.

Laurel June Homer

November 20, 1975 – June 12, 2021

Laurel June Homer, 45, of Holualoa, Hawaii died June 12, 2021 in Kealakekua. She was born November 20, 1975, in Tuba City, Arizona. Laurel was a member of the Navajo/Hopi/Zia tribe and she is of the Navajo "Salt Clan." Laurel worked in the resort industry.

She is survived by mother Delores McClanahan of Phoenix, Arizona; brother Lelon C. Homer of Phoenix, Arizona; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Private services will be held.

LEOCADIA H. RAYMOND 94

Leocadia “Leo” H. Raymond passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, May 27, 2021.

She was born on Maui on January 27, 1927. After being raised in Keokea, she moved to Wailuku to attend St. Anthony for high school. She worked as a telephone operator on Maui before meeting her husband George G. Raymond “GG”. She raised four children –Charlynn M. Raymond Ortiz (Frank), Kathyrnn A., Tanya L. (Jamie Gentry) and Charles “Kale” E. (Gina). In 1965, the family moved to Honolulu where she remained until her passing. While on Oahu she helped run the family business with her husband GG.

She was gracious, kind, and non-judgmental. Family was important to her and all were welcome into her home where her meals were legendary. She will be sorely missed.

Survived by nine grandchildren –Benjamin and Keola Williams, Malia Williams Cawaling, Ululani and Maika Ortiz, and Camille, Ramona, Rusty and Gabrielle Raymond AND six great grandchildren –Nalani, Kona, and Kainalu Williams and Kalei, Nohea and Nainoa Cawaling.

Step Children –Keoki Raymond, Grace Livingston and Robin Zimmerman.

The family would like to thank Island Hospice, friends and family for their support in her final days.

Services in Maui on Thursday, June 17. Normanʻs Mortuary Wailuku. 10:30 AM –Viewing (RSVP needed – contact ohana), 11:30 AM –Service, 2:00 PM -Burial at Maui Memorial Park

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, strict precautions will be maintained. Temperature checks & masks will be required for those who attend and social distancing will be maintained. Norman’s Mortuary Online Condolences: www.normansmortuary.com

Cecelia “Sheila” Ann Medeiros, 80

Cecelia “Sheila” Ann Medeiros of Wailuku, Maui passed away on Tuesday, June 8th, 2021, at Maui Memorial Medical Center. She was born in Paia, Maui on September 22, 1940.

Cecelia worked for many years in Food Service and Retail. She began her working career on Maui with McDonald’s, and then later went into retail with Woolworth’s, Liberty House and Walmart retiring as a store Greeter. Although she held a job, her greatest joy was all the little ones she watched over the years before taking time to care for her own grandchildren and her family.

Pre-deceased by her parents Manuel “Nollie” and Rose (Ruiz) Melendez and brother Harold Melendez.

She is survived by her loving husband Melvin Anthony Medeiros, her sons Darren Medeiros, Darryl (Lisa Amano) Medeiros, her daughters Deana (Leon) Burgos and Debralee (Kenneth) Esclito. Her siblings Anthony “Nollie” (June) Melendez, Linda “Susan” Pinheiro, and Charles (Shirley) Melendez. As well as her grandchildren Darrelyn, Christopher, Amber, Natasha, Dereklee and many more Hanai grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Service will be held on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at Noman’s Mortuary. Visitation will start at 9:00 am. Doors will be closed for private service from 10:00-10:30am with visitation continuing from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. Burial to follow at Makawao Veteran’s Cemetery at 1:00 pm. The family kindly ask for those attending to please wear mask and practice social distancing at all times.

A special gratitude to the staff at Maui Memorial Medical Center for their compassionate care during her time with them.

Norman’s Mortuary Online Condolences to: www.normansmortuary.com

Abraham “Peanut” Jacob Agustin Jr., 51, of Paauilo, Hawaii, passed away on June 8th. Born in Honokaa, he was the owner and operator of Agustin’s Pro-Services Rock Wall Business.

No services held.

He is survived by his wife, Rona Kaniho Agustin of Ewa Beach, Oahu; father, Abraham Agustin Sr. of Paauilo, Hawaii; sons, Kimo (Noelani) Agustin Delatorre, Kainoa (Mariah) Agustin Delatorre of Las Vegas, Nevada, Keahi (Stacia) Agustin Delatorre of Las Vegas, Nevada, Kaimana Kaniho-Agustin, Keanu Kaniho-Agustin and Destry (Chalsie) Kaniho-Dolor of Ewa Beach, Oahu; daughters, Alyzae Kaniho-Agustin of Ewa Beach, Oahu, Kyleigh Agustin and Kyrie Agustin of Kamuela, Hawaii; brothers Alfred Agustin and Anderson (Heather) Agustin Sr. of Paauilo; sisters, Angelina (Roland) Aurello of Paauilo, Hawaii, Abeline (Blayn) Wagoner of Paauilo, Hawaii and Arianne (Patrick) Souza of Waianae, Oahu; 12 grandchildren, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Theodore (Ted) Freeman Walton JR. passed away Friday, June 11th at Hilo Medical Center surrounded by those he loved. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and mentor to many. He lived life to the fullest and on his own terms. He had a dry sense of humor and could always make you laugh when it was unexpected. He was a big man to us with a big heart who never judged anyone. You will be greatly missed, but you will always be in our hearts. We love you “Big T”.

No services held.

He is survived by his wife, Victoria Giusti of Hilo, HI; son, Theodore Freeman (Paula) Walton of Tucson, AZ; daughters, Evalani Walton of Hilo, HI and Cassandra Walton of Tucson, AZ; sister, Sandy Neuman of Mancelona, MI; 4 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.

Bronson Kaahu Rios, 44, of Honokaa, passed away on May 25th. Born in Honokaa, his interests included gaming, movies, talking with friends and family and learning more about everything.

Celebration of Life being held at Kalopa State Park, June 19, 2021 from 12:00 noon to 5:00pm. Mask/social distancing requested, bring food for potluck.

He is survived by his father, Reno Rios of Honokaa, HI; mother, Diane Huelskamp of Pahoa, HI; brother, Dustin Rios of Honokaa, HI; half-brothers, Bryce Huelskamp of Pahoa, Ben Huelskamp of Pahoa, HI, and Israel Rios of Honokaa, HI; and great-grandmother, Helen Lopez of Honolulu, HI; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mazelma Billie Haia “Dinks” of Ha’iku, Maui went to be with our Lord on May 29, 2021. She was born in West Virginia. An artist who loved painting and creating- she inspired others to see the beauty in all.

John 10:27 & 28 " My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me, and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

Dinks is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, James Rolland Haia, Jr.; loving mother to son, Scott Bullman; daughters, Debbie Faildo, Jody Orrico, and Jamie Haia; loving Nana to 10 grandchildren, Shiloh, Serena, Jasiah, Julian, Phoenix, Flexx, Layla, Ryan, Christopher and James; 2 great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Everen; brother, Jim Ryan; and sister, Sharron Fuller. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

She will live in our hearts and memories forever.