Obituaries

Alan Yoshimitsu Uemura

Wednesday, November 15th, 2023

Alan Yoshimitsu Uemura, age 74, of Kualapuu, Molokai, HI, passed away at home on Aug. 3, 2023. Born, April 14, 1949 in Hoolehua, HI, he is survived by his mother Pearl M. Uemura, and brothers Carl and Tracy. A celebration of life will be held on Molokai at Kaoaini Beach Park, AKA Old Del Monte Beach Park, Dec. 9, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Casual attire. …

Gladys Asako Watanabe

Wednesday, November 1st, 2023

Gladys Watanabe, 88 of Kaunakakai, Molokai, passed away Sept. 10, 2023. She was born in Wailuku, Maui on June 12, 1935 to Kenichi and Kazue Mabe. She retired as a teacher from Kualapuʻu Elementary School. 

Gladys was predeceased by her husband, Mitsuo. She is survived by her children: son Derek Watanabe (Dung), daughters Terri Jorgensen, Wanda Okemura (Darryl) and Sheri Yamashita (Bruce), five granddaughters, one great-granddaughter and one great- grandson. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Roselani Place, Hale Makua and Hospice Maui. 

Private graveside service will be at Maui Memorial Park, Friday, Nov. 3, at 12:30 p.m. …

Thomas DeCourcy

Wednesday, October 25th, 2023

Thomas “Tom” DeCourcy, 80, of Molokai, Hawaii passed away on July 23 in Lebanon, New Hampshire surrounded by his family. Tom was born to Ed and Alice DeCourcy in New Haven, Connecticut in 1943. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Andrea, daughters Leilani and Malia (Bradley) Sakamoto, grandsons, Maximus, Magnus, and Merek, and sister Jane (Stephen) Wong. 

Visitation will be on Saturday, Nov. 18 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. with services to begin at 9:45 a.m. at St. Damien Catholic Church. There will be a celebration of life lunch to follow at One Ali’i Park.…

Helen Joao Apana

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

Helen Joao Apana, 97, passed away peacefully at her home in Kapaakea, Molokai, on Oct. 4.  She was born Nov. 9, 1925 in Kualapuu, Molokai.

Helen was preceded in death by husband Donald Wah Bung Lau Apana, parents Raymond Francis Joao Sr. and Gussie Maikani Iaea Joao, maternal grandparents Reverend Isaac Daniel Iaea and Hannah Keahi Pakamia Iaea, and paternal grandparents Manuel Farinha Joao and Julia Correa Joao. She was the last survivor of her seven siblings and last surviving grandchild of Manuel and Julia. 

She is survived by her five daughters – Linda Reyes Napoleon, Beverly Mapuana Apana, Abegale Kilani  (William) Akutagawa, Dawn Aloma  (Ken) Nakayama and Nola Haunani (Daniel) Reilly, 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.…

Joseph Kumauna Ah Fu Chong

Wednesday, October 18th, 2023

Joseph Kumauna Ah Fu Chong, 81, passed away Aug. 18, at home in Waimea, Hawaii with his family by his side. 

Brother Joe as he was lovingly called was born Feb. 5, 1942, in Kalamaula, Hawaii to George Kuala’au and Sarah (Kahawai) Chong.   

He attended school on Molokai and graduated from Molokai High School in 1960.  He married Gertrenda Irene Hall on Sept. 11, 1971.  Joe loved Trenda dearly for 52 years. He always enjoyed her vegetarian cooking and was so thankful for the time she devoted to taking care of him.   

Joe was a talented and creative carpenter. He built homes, tree houses, aquaponic gardens and so much more. …

Howard Michael Ahina Jr.

Wednesday, October 11th, 2023

Howard Michael Ahina Jr. passed away on June 24 at the age of 53. He was the oldest of three siblings born to the late Howard and Shareen Ahina. Howard grew up in Ho’olehua on Pu’ukapele Avenue. He attended Kamehameha Kapalana for three years before returning to Molokai High School where he graduated in 1987. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country for two years. 

On April 12,1991, Howard welcomed the birth of his daughter, Leilani. His second daughter, Hiilani, was born two years later, on March 30,1993. Howard excitedly welcomed the birth of his only son, Isaiah, on June 23, 2003.…