Obituary Notices: Aug. 13-19, 2017

Big Island Obituaries

Susan Keanu

Susan Keanu
August 11, 1940 – August 11, 2017

Susan Keanu, 77, of Pāhoa, passed away on Aug. 11, 2017 at St. Francis Hospice in Honolulu. She was born in San Bernardino, CA on Aug. 11, 1940 to Juan and Eulalia Caldera. Susan is survived by sons; Aaron R. Keanu, Austin R. Keanu, and Alan R. Keanu, daughter; Amanda R. Keanu Pulea, brother; Frank Caldera, sisters; Betty Oneal, and Libby Yabarra, 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; Rogers Meriam Keanu.

There will be a service held for Susan at Ballard Family Mortuary- Hilo on Aug. 22, 2017 with public viewing from 9 to 9:30 a.m., services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and a burial taking place at noon at Veterans Cemetery II in Hilo. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary- Hilo.

Mary Diane Smith

Mary Diane Smith
November 4, 1946 – August 8, 2017

Mary Diane Smith, passed away in her home Aug. 8, 2017, at the age of 70. She is survived by her son Shelby B. Smith of Kea‘au. She had only moved to the island a few years ago to be closer to her family, and she was tired of ‘winter’. She was a long time Colorado resident and avid lover of both the mountains and the ocean. No local services are planned at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Ballard Family Mortuary- Hilo.

Marilyn Fusae Yamamoto
July 5, 1950 – August 5, 2017

Marilyn Fusae Yamamoto, 67, passed away on Aug. 5, 2017 at Hilo Medical Center. Marilyn was born on July 5, 1950 in Honolulu to Manase Kaleihau Makekau Jr. and Helen Hisao Yamamoto. Her deep passion for genealogy will be continued by her ohana. She was a very loving and compassionate person and was always willing to help anyone. As a gatherer of people she will be greatly missed. There will be a celebration of life for Marilyn at Onekahakaha beach (pavilion #4) in Keaukaha, at 1:00 pm on Friday August 18, 2017. She is survived by her cousins; Leilani O. Chung, Suzanna M. Nolan, Alberta J. Foley, and the children of Fern Kalehuamaknoe Prim Pule. Arrangements entrusted to Ballard Family Mortuary- Hilo.

Maui Obituaries:

Stephen Robert “Dingie” Correa Sr.

Stephen Robert “Dingie” Correa Sr.
February 26, 1934 – August 14, 2017

Stephen Robert “Dingie” Correa Sr., 83, of Waikapū, passed away on Aug. 14, 2017 at Roselani Place. He was born Feb. 26, 1934, in Pāʻia Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, at St. Anthony Catholic Church; mass will begin at 11 a.m.; burial will follow, 12:30 p.m. at Maui Memorial Park Mausoleum in Wailuku. Norman’s Mortuary is assisting with arrangements.

Stephen attended grade school at Holy Rosary in Pāʻia and in 1952, graduated from St. Anthony High school. He served in both the Army & Navy Reserve. He worked as a Mail Carrier, starting at old Pāʻia Post Office and retiring from the Wailuku Post Office after 36 years. He loved to fix older model “VW” Bug cars. Playing the guitar was his passion which he started playing at a young age. He played with several different bands on Maui, but playing Chachi Chachi (Puerto Rican) music was one of his favorites. He was one of the caretakers of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waikapu and a long-time member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Waiheʻe.

Stephen leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 61 years, Victoria “Vicky” Del Castillo Correa; his daughters, Corrine (Carroll) Kim, Stephanie (Michael) Torricer, Desiree (Francis) Daguay, Roxanne (Vernon) Takabayashi; 11 grandchildren, James, Conrad, Chad, Kealii, Jason, Logan, Andrew, Kahealani, Samantha, Akiko and Mele; 12 great grandchildren, Makana, Ocean, Te’a, Keani, Leah, Jairus, Zion, Avalyn, Leighton, Roleigh, Jaelyn and Aiden; and siblings, Robert Correa and Lenora Greco. He was predeceased by his son, Stephen Correa Jr.; parents, Sebastian and Ohenia Correa; brothers, David Correa, Ernest Correa; sisters, Eva Destefano, Alice Nahaku, Rosaline Diego and Sarah Ramos.

The Correa family would like to extend our immense gratitude to Dr. Powell, Dr. Drood, Dr. Savona and the staff of Roselani Place for the incredible care they provided.

Ernest Leong

Ernest Leong
May 22, 1938 – August 11, 2017

Ernest Leong of Makawao, respected Maui Police Officer and sergeant in the Hawaiʻi Army National Guard, passed away on Aug. 11, at the age of 79. He was born on May 22, 1938.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, at St. Joseph Catholic Church; mass will begin at 11 a.m.; burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family requests aloha attire.

Ernest was predeceased by his mother, Nora Mateo; father, Ernest Leong Sr.; brother, Gilbert Mateo; and sister, Beverly (Lester) Richardson. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jane Acain Leong; children, Lilli Leong, Ele Meyers, Ernez Leong; grandchildren, Corey Kamford, Alana Egan, Joshua Meyers, Lehua Egan; great grandchildren, Helene Andaya, Leo Kamford; sisters, Norma (Fred) Leite, Janet (Toby) Fernandez, Ludy (Frank) Garcia, Marie (Stanley) Souza, Carol (George Sr.) Fernandez; and brother, Danny (Clarissa) Mateo.

Eternal gratitude is given to his caregivers, Tony Acain, Shannon Mahoney, Ester Newton; and Danny Marin.

John Rudolph Pia “Boogie” Lu’uwai

John Rudolph Pia “Boogie” Lu’uwai
February 25, 1932 – August 11, 2017

On August 11th, John Rudolph Pia “Boogie” Lu‘uwai, 85, passed away peacefully in the presence of his ‘ohana.

Boogie was raised in Mākena & Wailuku, Maui. His parents were John and Angeline (Ka‘uhane Smythe) Lu’uwai. Boogie’s sisters were Beatrice Rosa, Jack “Keaka” Perreira, Mary “Mele” Martin. He is also survived by his sister, Geri Wilhelm and brother, Bobby. Boogie is survived by his wife Violet (Kutz); Daughters, Leona Kehaulani Lu‘uwai (John Cavaco) and Maile Lu‘uwai (Michael Augustin); Grandchildren, Aukai (Kapua Beyer), Mahealani, Nanea & Kamaha’o Lu‘uwai Cavaco, Pu‘ulena & Anuhea Lu‘uwai-Augustin; and Great-Granddaughter Hi‘ilei Beyer Cavaco.

Boogie graduated from St. Anthony School in 1950. He proudly served in the Marine Corps in the Korean War. Boogie started as a machinist in Pearl Harbor Shipyard Shop 38 and retired in management after 35 years. Boogie & Violet established and operated the successful Mākena Landing Bed & Breakfast for 15 years. He was an active community volunteer. Boogie was the President of the Ewa Beach Jaycees; Pearl Harbor Hawaiian Civic Club Choir Member; Founder and President of the Mākena Homeowners Association; member of the Hilo & Maui Korean War Veterans; and served as a Keawala‘i Congregational Church Moderator, Deacon and Choir Member. He was also a Deacon in Ke Hana O Ke Akua Church in Wai‘anae, O‘ahu.

Boogie loved to sing Hawaiian music and play his ukulele. He taught Ke Hana O Ke Akua Youth how to play ‘ukulele and they became “Boogie and Da Boys”. Boogie loved cooking for his ‘ohana and enjoyed diving for he‘e, laying net in and along the Mākena shoreline. He was avid runner and ran 12 marathons. His graceful, humble and kind spirit is his lasting legacy. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Keawala’i Congregational Church, Mākena. Private Viewing 8 to 9 a.m. Public Viewing 9 to 11:30 a.m. Church Services 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.

Laura J. Boskoff

Laura J. Boskoff
July 23, 1925 – August 9, 2017

Laura J. Boskoff, 92 of Kahului, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at home under the care of Hospice Maui on Aug. 9, 2017. She was born on July 23, 1925 in California.

Laura was an accomplished athlete and successful business woman. She was a professional pitcher during the 1940s as part of a group of pioneering women of which the movie “A League of Their Own,” was based on. Her family came to Maui in 1966 and she worked at The Gallery Ltd. as an art consultant for many years before opening Gate to the Orient in Wailuku. However, what Laura will be most remembered for is her love of family and her passion for garage sales. Her outer and inner beauty, strength of character, and wisdom were rare gifts that she shared with family and friends. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and their children.

Laura is survived by her husband Claro Capili Jr., her children, Ken (Sue) Boskoff, Jane (Jim) Kohler, Susan King, grandchildren, Tara, Nicky, Talvi, Kesa, Aina, Damien, Sanoe, step grandchild, Nelson, 12 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, sister, Dorothy Himrod of Ca., brother-in-law George Boskoff, numerous nieces and nephews, and beloved dogs, Ollie, Poki, Sadie, and Maui (the outdoor cat).

There will be a private family scattering of her ashes and a celebration of life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in honor of Laura. Her ohana extends a heartfelt mahalo to everyone at Hospice Maui and especially Jo Ann and Allie for the loving care they provided. Thank you to Kaiser and especially Dr. Lisa Sodetani for being Laura’s PCP during her final years.
Always in our hearts, rest in peace.