Patricia KelleyPATRICIA KELLEY Born: November 13, 1937; Honolulu, Hawai'i Died: November 17, 2013; Honolulu, Hawai'i Trying to capture the life of Patricia Kelley, an independent woman of substance who led a full and vibrant life, is like trying to capture a rainbow. She cherished growing up in Hawai'i, taking delight in its wonders, especially the rainbows that often fill Hawai'i's skies. She swam and surfed the waters off Diamond Head and Waikiki, often in the company of the family's cocker spaniels, Honey, Chami and Pilikia. Over the years this fabulous storyteller captivated generations of listeners with her stories and memories. Some of her most vivid recollections and dramatic, heartfelt stories related to the World War II era, including the bombing of Pearl Harbor, leaving Hawai'i for California and returning to the island by ship. She long-remembered the greeting of the island's sweet aroma as the ship approached Honolulu. She again was home. Homecomings filled her life, for Pat loved to travel both as a passenger and as a licensed pilot who flew small airplanes. She enjoyed several air races, and completed the cross-country Powder Puff Derby in 1972. Her journeys took her to all seven continents, making it to Antarctica, the last on her list, when she was 70. She often hosted others on these adventures, expanding their horizons so they, too, could experience some of the wonders of the world. Early on, Pat displayed her talent for arts and crafts. Sewing, especially, was a favorite pastime. In high school she won an award from a major pattern company for a dress design, and over the years, her daughters and other girls adored the creative dresses she made for them. Many have wrapped themselves in her quilts of love. She also took the time to teach others to sew and quilt. In her youth, she worked with her parents and older siblings in the growing family hotel business (Outrigger Hotels and Resorts), doing everything from working the front desk, to cleaning rooms to taking reservations. Pat's grit, talent and determination were key attributes to her success in the business world. After working for Trade Wind Tours at the Outrigger Reef Hotel, Pat proposed to her father that she wanted to start her own business, which she did by paying him $100 monthly rent for the chance to set up her own "desk"- a folding card table - in one of the hotels. From there she built two successful businesses, Pat Kelley Tours and Pat Kelley International Travel, eventually selling them to the family organization. Along the way, she helped many others start and succeed in their own businesses. Education, both in the classroom and in the greater world, was important to Pat. She attended Punahou School, St. Helens Hall (Portland, OR), Stephens College (Columbia, MO) and Santa Rosa Junior College (Santa Rosa, CA). A strong believer in life-long learning, she supported the education of several people and established the Gerald "Pete" Petrequin Scholarship at Punahou School, named after her beloved husband. Long after her formal education was complete, Pat continued to challenge herself to explore and learn. This storyteller, artist, quilter, businesswoman, pilot, traveler, licensed minister, life-long learner, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother, and friend passed peacefully while the sky was divinely filled with vibrant sunset colors - a fitting tribute to this beautiful woman who added so much color to the lives of others. She encouraged people to "Follow the Rainbows" and delighted in creating rainbow experiences for them. Pat was predeceased by husband Gerald "Pete" Petrequin, and parents Roy C. and Estelle L. Kelley; and is survived by her daughters Michelle M. Norstrom and Estelle M. Kelley; son-inlaw, Jason M. Weber; grandchildren Michael Norstrom and Mackenzie Norstrom; brother Richard R. Kelley; sister Jean E. Rolles; many nieces and nephews; several hana'i children; and her beloved pet dog, a Corgi named "King Tut." If you wish to honor her memory, please send donations to the Patricia Kelley '55 and Gerald "Pete" Petrequin Scholarship Fund at Punahou School. Any memorials and private ceremony pending. Temporary mini-memorial and public guest book located in the Outrigger Reef Hotel lobby. Public Web Tribute accessed at http://saturdaybriefing.outrigger.com/featuredpost/tribute-to-pat-kelley
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