Earline Lucy Luukia Peelua Johnston

It is with great love and humility we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, Earline Lucy Luukia Peelua Johnston of Kapaʻakea, Molokai.

Born on Oct. 16, 1940, the “Matriarch” of our family and a woman of unwavering faith, strength and promise, on Sept. 6, 2025 surrounded by her loved ones in California, she entered eternal rest. Earline was 84.

Born and raised on the island of Molokaʻi, Earline worked many years as a cook and baker at the Hotel Molokai, “Old Pau Hana Inn” and past establishments like Hele on and Kane’s Bar. She was known for her sweet yet “feisty” personality and the aunty that you could have “good fun” around. Her love for people, especially her ʻohana was great and one of a kind. She will be forever missed.

Earline was preceded in passing by her beloved husband, William Harry Johnston Sr., parents, Eva and Jesse Peelua, brother “Junior” Peelua, and sisters Kanani Negrillo, Hattie Silva and Leilani Wallace. She is survived by her children; Wayne Peelua (Iris), Tammy Manuha (Api), William “Billy” Johnston Jr. (Volsha) and Charles Johnston (Noelani), 13 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren and sister Lorraine Higa.

A funeral service will be held on Jan. 10, 2026 at the St. Damien Catholic Church in Kaunakakai, Molokai. Visitation at 8:30 a.m. Funeral service at 9 a.m.