A young widowed mother of three, she lost her beloved husband Sonny in Vietnam. She bravely raised their three daughters on her own. Later, she had the joy of uniting with Joe, had a daughter and a one son. Together they raised all five children and continued to live together until her passing.

She was a lifetime member of the Ahahui Kaahumanu and a former Docent for Washington Place during the Governors Waihe'e and Cayetano administration. She spent her childhood in a musical family and became a dancer under the instruction of Lena Puaainahau Guerrero. She was an active supporter with Ilima Hula Studio, Honolulu Boys Choir and Halau Na Mamo O Puuanahulu. Hula and entertainment was always a part of her life and she passed this legacy on to her children and grandchildren.

The family would like to thank her caregiver, Diane Sarmiento and the staff of Heaven's Helpers, Rachel Lee, Irene Redoble, Min Hye Yoong, Chaplain Larry Takao and the staff of Island Hospice, Dr. Myron Kawakami and staff, Dr. Jon Cooney, Tripler Army Medical Center, St. Francis Health Services for Seniors, and Peter Dela Cruz for the loving care that was given her over her long illness.

We miss her tremendously but take comfort that she is no longer suffering. She left our warm embrace as she lived her life, with Hawaiian music, surrounded by her loving family and friends. I ka paumako o ko makou na'au, aloha a hui hou e mama. You will forever be in our hearts.

Rachel is survived by her loving partner of 44 years, Joseph DeVera, her daughters, Kulamanu Maunupau (Joseph), Lahela Igarta, Pamela Kau'i Keola (Rocco), Jo-Lynn Igarta, her son, Lopaka Igarta-DeVera (Sonny), 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren.