Richard Poncio Bayot
Richard Poncio Bayot, of Kekaha, passed away on May 15, 2025, at Straub Benioff Hospital on Oahu at the age of 65. He was born on Nov. 22, 1959, in Waimea. He was a retired electronic technician at Pacific Missile Range Facility.
He was preceded in death by his father Poncio Bayot, brother Eugene Keo Bayot, paternal grandparents Feliciano and Eugenia Bayot, and maternal grandparents Vidal and Takeyo Badua.
He is survived by his wife Elsie Malabe Bayot, mother Edna Badua Bayot, sister Edee Nichols (Kim), sons Darrick Bayot (Sheryl), Rilen Bayot (Shy), stepsons Norman T. Vea Jr. (Macey Parongao), Aaron Kai Vea (Christine), stepdaughter Nikki Corona (Cy), grandchildren Elijah and Jaelah Bayot, Duke and Riley Bayot, Kaimalie and Nanea Parongao Vea, Asher Vea, Mateo and Dax Corona, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 8640 Kiowea Road in Kekaha. Visitation with the family from 8:30 to 10 a.m., followed by the celebration of life. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Nu’uanu Memorial Park and Mortuary and Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Nellie Joyce Okamoto
Nellie Joyce Okamoto, of Princeville, went to heaven on May 19, 2025, at Wilcox Hospital at the age of 69 following a long battle with cancer. She retired as a high school counselor at Kapaa High School after nearly 40 years of service. Nellie cared for her students and affectionately called them “my kids.” She consistently made time for them and helped them in any way possible, always lending a sympathetic ear. Over the years, Nellie counseled thousands of students and advocated for them to further their education in 4-year colleges, 2-year colleges or trade schools, and guided them towards securing scholarships.
She was born and raised in Honolulu, graduated from Kaimuki High School, and subsequently earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Hawaii. In 1986, she married her husband, Charles Okamoto, and moved to Kauai to raise their family.
Nellie was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Elsie Joyce, and her in-laws Jiro and Mildred Okamoto.
She is survived by her husband Charles Okamoto, daughter Kelli Okamoto, son Chas Okamoto, brothers Harold (Rosa) Joyce of Gardena, California and Darryl (Linda) Joyce of Lanai, brothers-in-law Alan Okamoto of Kamuela and Brian Okamoto of Wailua Houselots, sister in-law Grace (Thomas) Yamashita of Kapolei, Aunty Thelma Souza, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Private services were held.
Dennis Quiamas Mabini
Dennis Quiamas Mabini, of Hanapepe, passed away on June 1, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born in Vintar, Ilocos Norte, Philippines on March 23, 1935, and was the irrigation supervisor at Gay and Robinson.
He was preceded in passing by his beloved wife of 70 years Pilar Mabini, son Nestor Mabini, parents Eulalio and Juana Mabini, brother Santiago Cadaoas, and sister Rosalina Pagtulingan.
Dennis is survived by his children Elmer (Eden) Mabini, Darlene (Ruben) Soriano, Estrella Cacal, Imelda Douglas, and Estela (Bret) Drewelow, grandchildren Jennirose (Kaleo) Trinidad, Ronny Boy (Hazel) Mabini, Kelly Jean Mabini, Elden (Marjorie) Mabini, Eileen (Roseville) Erolin, Jennifer (Mathew) Ballard, Jason (Raisa) Soriano, Eric Cacal, Michael (Katie) Cacal, Emily (Kevin) Douglas, Lindsay (Trevor) Egan, Payne (Meredith) Drewelow, and Grant (Yenna) Drewelow, great-grandchildren Bella Trinidad, Kalala Trinidad, Ashlen Bueno, Jaydah Mabini, Wyatt Ballard, Savannah Ballard, Olivia Ballard, Eliana Soriano, Jorden Mabini, Jaren Mabini, Jacelyn Mabini, Ezrah Erolin, Rhys Erolin, and Enaiza Erolin, great-great-grandchildren Reign Nonaka and Oshen Nonaka, and sisters Florencia Pascua and Evelyn Johnston.
A celebration of life will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, with visitation from 8 to 9:30 a.m., a funeral Mass at 10 a.m., and burial to follow at Kauai Memorial Gardens.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Jordyn Malia Diogo Valdez
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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Jordyn Malia Diogo Valdez.
She was born on Oct. 2, 2002, on Kauai and passed away at home, in Oregon, on April 26, 2025, with her mom, dad and brother at her side.
Jordyn was the MDA Goodwill Ambassador for both Hawaii and Oregon. She was also her high school’s yearbook editor for two years. Jordyn loved volunteering and spending time with the babies at a daycare program. She was an avid writer who loved singing and spending time with family and friends.
She is survived by her parents, Framil and Ana Valdez, brother Landen Valdez, grandparents, Frank and Lily Valdez of Lihue, Eric and Grace Ishida of Kapahi, uncles Jose R Diogo of Lihue and Patrick Ishida of Kapahi and her guinea pigs Nutmeg and Phoebe. She also leaves behind numerous other relatives and many friends.
Although Jordyn left this earth far too soon, she made a positive impact on everyone she met. Her determination, strength, kindness and sense of humor will forever live in all our hearts. She will be missed dearly.
A celebration of life will be held at the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center (4475f Nuhou St, Lihue, HI 96766) on June 27 at 5 p.m. Family and friends are invited to share memories and tributes at: https://www.afterall.com/obituaries/d-20232870/jordyn-malia-diogo-valdez/april-2025.
James Shigekatsu Uemura
Jimmy Uemura, 102, of Lihue, Kauai, passed away peacefully at his home on March 23, 2025.
Jimmy was a U.S. Army veteran and later retired as maintenance supervisor with the State’s Hawaii Housing Authority. He enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and Japan and performing magic acts at family functions.
He is survived by three daughters Sandy (Tyrone) Oyadomari, Linda Fountain, Susan (Gerald) Takamura, sister Betty (Gary) Fukumoto and brother Ronald Uemura both from Gardena, California. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.
A private service will be held at a later date. The family requests no koden or flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Sigrid Elisabeth Raquel
Sigrid Elisabeth Raquel, of Kapaa, passed away on April 1, 2025, at Wilcox Memorial Hospital at the age of 73. She was born on Nov. 30, 1951, in Ansbach, Germany. She was a retail meat cutter.
She was preceded in death by parents Johann and Elisabeth Boas, siblings Dieter Boas and Christa Boas Durr.
She is survived by her son Jerry R. (Jackie) Raquel of Kapaa, brothers Walter Boas of Germany, Norbert Boas of Germany, sister Dora Hammer of Germany, grandchildren Kristyn Lorita and Ian Raquel, great-grandchildren Nayomi and Kyrin, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Mary Victoria Figaroa
Mary Victoria Figaroa, of Kalaheo, passed away on May 26, 2025, at Wilcox Memorial Hospital at the age of 74. She was born on Nov. 19, 1950, in Lihue. She was a retired General Manager at Big Save Market in Koloa.
She is survived by her husband Jacob Figaroa Sr. of Kalaheo, sons Jacob (Alice Elizabeth) Figaroa Jr. of Arizona, Jerome Figaroa of Kalaheo, sisters Rose Bautista of Washington State, Vickie Medeiros of Washington State, grandchild Tori (Jackson Cole) Nakamatsu-Figaroa, numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kauai Memorial Gardens at 10 a.m. The family requests casual attire and welcomes flowers.
Garden Island Mortuary assisted the family with arrangements.
Kay Yaeko Hiraoka
Kay Yaeko Hiraoka, 96, of Lihue, passed away on May 20, 2025. She was born in Yamaguchi-ken, Japan on Dec. 10, 1928, and was the proprietor of Kay’s Dress Shop.
Preceded in death by her husband Shizuto Hiraoka.
Kay is survived by her daughter Joy Hiraoka, sons Adlai Hiraoka and Franklin (Esmenia “Jean”) Hiraoka Sr., grandchildren Vaughn, Franklin Jr., Joy, and Rayvon, and great-grandchild Luna.
Private family services with inurnment were held at Kauai Memorial Gardens. Family requests no koden.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Wendy Wiswell Akita
Wendy Wiswell Akita, 79, of Lihue, passed away on May 17, 2025, at home. She was born in West Virginia on July 31, 1945, and was the President of Akita Enterprises, Ltd.
She was preceded in death by her husband Lindbergh Akita, parents Stephen and Jane Wiswell, and grandson Kekoa Blevins.
Wendy is survived by her daughter Yolanda Blevins of Lihue, sister Joan (Howard) Yamaguchi of Kilauea, Kauai, grandchildren Margarita Blevins of Lihue and Natalee (Rex) Webb of Utah, great-grandchildren Athena and Alexander Blevins and Ethan, Mahina, Tyler and Blake Webb, niece Laura (Adolfo Castellon) Yamaguchi of Nicasio, California, nephew Ty (Sonya) Yamaguchi of Kilauea, Kauai, grandnephews Tekoa David Yamaguchi and Anxo Shigeto Castellon, and grandnieces Amai Hokupilina Yamaguchi and Avelina Kume Castellon.
A celebration of life will be held on June 23, 2025, at Akita Enterprises Ltd., Lihue. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., services will start at 11 a.m., and lunch at 12 p.m. A private family burial will be held at Kauai Memorial Gardens at a later time.
Kauai Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.
Source: The Garden Island