Obituaries

Sheila Loretta Polena Awai

Wednesday, August 9th, 2023

Sheila Loretta Polena Awai, a cherished kupuna, passed victoriously at age 86. Aunty Sheila exemplified her belief of unconditionally loving her Molokai island community. She was a beloved preschool teacher, an advocate towards foster care, education, mental health, and sexual and drug abuse services. She dedicated her life to God and was a faithful member of the Molokai Seventh-Day Adventist Church. 

Our mom passed away peacefully with God’s grace on July 3, 2023, at her home in Kalamaula, Molokai, surrounded by her ‘ohana. She was born on Feb. 26, 1937, in Kalihi, Oahu. She is survived by her four children Candace W.…

Thadd R. Camara

Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

Aloha e ka ʻohana a me nā hoa aloha o Molokaʻi a ma ʻō aku o ka pae ʻāina o Hawaiʻi a puni ka hōnua. We, the children of Thadd R. Camara share with you some of his words of aloha…

“My spirit lives in everyone that knows who I was and who I still am — Thadd R. Camara, Mr. Aloha — and if it wasn’t for Molokai I could never ever be Thadd R. Camara, the person I became to be…So for every sunset there will always be a new beginning. So my Molokai family, enjoy every beginning you are blessed with I waiting for you on the other side….Please…

Nancy Shizuko Yamagata Unemori

Wednesday, July 26th, 2023

Nancy Shizuko Yamagata Unemori of Kaunakakai, Molokai was born on August 29, 1924 in Kapaa, Kauai, the eldest of 7 children. She passed peacefully on June 4, 2023.

She married Hisashi “Fats” Unemori (deceased), and moved to Molokai in 1958. Together they had 5 children. Alison (Warren) Yasuda, Kevin (Lynne) Unemori, Jeffrey Unemori (deceased), Kathleen (Rod) Wong and Scott Unemori (deceased). She also has six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. She was a member of the Molokai UE club. Nancy supported her husband’s activities with the Molokai Lions Club along with many other local programs. As a dancer of Na Kupuna O Moana she made many new friends, traveled to different places and enjoyed her fun performances, never imagining the joy she would experience being on stage!…

Mahalo for Outpouring of Aloha

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

On behalf of Cisilia Defang, we would like to thank all those who prayed, donated and supported her.

Born deaf, Cisilia did not let her disability be an obstacle in her daily life. She is a hard-working, determined, loving young woman. We know with her strength, big heart, and the Lord by her side she will pull through and come home. Cisilia is currently receiving medical treatment and at this time, and we ask for your continued prayer. We are truly blessed and can feel the outpouring aloha from everyone.

Mahalo

The George Defang Ohana…

Evelyn Mokiao Naeole

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023

Our beloved mom, Evelyn Mokiao Naeole, was born on May 12, 1928 and left us to be with the Lord on June 20, 2023. Known to some as “Baby Amu” or the “Limu Ele’ele Lady,” she was born to Ah Chew and Francis Yam Mokiao. Mom married our father, Rudolph Akana Naeole, deceased, on March 18, 1950. They had five children Yvonne (Stan) Grance, Carol (Frank) Catian, Mathew (Rudolph, Junior) Naeole, deceased, Brian (Debra Ann) Naeole and Cori (Valerie) Jacobs (Eric “Dutchie” Bush), deceased. She passes on her cooking skills legacy to her 15 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.…

Conrad Areola Ruiz

Wednesday, July 5th, 2023

Conrad Areola Ruiz, 80, of Kualapuu, Molokai, Hawaii passed away on May 26, 2023 in Aurora, Colorado. He was born in Rimos #4, Luna LaUnion, Philippines and was a farmer. He is survived by his wife Maria Ruiz; daughter Maybelinda (Grant); granddaughters Darianne, Denichel and Holly; great-granddaughter Raelyann; and siblings Jovencio (Victoria), Orlino (Evelyn), Randy (Elma) and Arthur (Ofelia). 

Services will be held on Oahu at Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary Visitation on Friday, July 14, 2023 with visitation from 5 to 6 p.m., and service at 6 p.m. Shipping out to the Philippines for a second service and burial to follow in Luna Memorial Park in Luna, LaUnion, Philippines.…

William Harry Johnston Sr.

Wednesday, June 28th, 2023

We are sad to announce the passing of William Harry Johnston Sr. “Uncle Bill” of Kaunakakai. He died on May 15, 2023 at the age of 79. Uncle Bill passed away surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife Earline; sons Wayne and Kalani; and daughter Tammy. 

Funeral service will be held on Saturday July 8, 2023 at the St. Damien Catholic Church in Kaunakakai at 8:30 to 10 a.m. Visitation will be from 10 to 10:20 a.m., eulogy then 10:30 to 11 a.m. services.  

On Sunday, July 9, 2023, please come by and celebrate via drive by at dad’s house Lot 28 Kapa’akea at 11 a.m.…

Rachel Kaleiokalani Keffer

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

We rejoice through our sadness as we announce the passing of Rachel Kaleiokalani Keffer (Calunod) on April 29, 2023. Youngest of four siblings, Rachel and her twin Raquel were born on June 3, 1971 to Peter and Shirley Calunod. Throughout Rachel’s grueling battle with colon cancer, she lived every day with unwavering faith. In the end, Rachel received the ultimate healing as she was welcomed into the kingdom of Heaven in the warm embrace of God and the love of her life, Albert Napahi Dizon III.

Rachel is survived by her mother Shirley, older sister Yvette Erece, older brother Peter Jr, and twin sister Raquel Cabalar.…

Robert Goro Uemura

Wednesday, June 14th, 2023

Robert Goro Uemura, age 99, of Kualapu’u, Molokai, HI, passed away at home on Feb. 21, 2023.  He was born on Aug. 16, 1923 in Waialua, Oahu.  He was a U.S. Army WWII veteran of the 442nd RCT, Headquarters Company.  

He is survived by wife, Pearl M. Uemura; and sons Alan, Carl, and Tracy.  

A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Ho’olehua, Molokai on June 17, 2023 at 2 p.m.  Army honor guard and inurnment will take place at Punchbowl Cemetary of the Pacific, in Honolulu on June 22, 2023 at 2 p.m.  Casual attire, no flowers please.…