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JEAN M. WATANABE Our mother, Jean Miyoko (Kakazu) Watanabe, age 85, passed away on November 9, 2015 at her home. Mom was born on February 14, 1930 in Wahiawa. One of nine siblings, she was raised in a loving household with strong Okinawan roots, which is the same way she raised her children. Through their common love for music, Mom met our father, the late Charles A. Watanabe, and their marriage lasted 42 years until his untimely passing in 1995. Dad did not want Mom to work outside of the home while we were young so while the family got by on only one income, Mom made it work and we were never without the good things in life. As we got older, Mom worked as a secretary with Oka's Auto Body in Waipahu, retiring when she was 70 years old. A strong and devout Buddhist, Mom was a member of the Waipahu Hongwanji Mission where she would devote many volunteer hours. She was a member of the Buddhist Women's Association, the Karaoke Club, and the Ikebana Club. Mom loved the Obon season and dancing with her many friends at various Obon dances. She was also a member of the Wahiawa Kyoyu Kai, never forgetting her Okinawan heritage. Being that family was everything to Mom, she was so happy that our multi-generational family maintains close ties. Although she could no longer bowl or golf in the family's monthly outings, Mom looked forward to the post activity Kazoku dinners/"talk story" sessions. We will all miss her chili, mochi, and kobumaki, but most of all, her sweet, humble, and kind disposition. Mom is survived by her three daughters, Charijean Watanabe and husband, Ted Taniguchi; Lori Kanaeholo and husband, Vincent; and Lilinoe Watanabe and husband, Vernon Miller. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Zachary Taniguchi, Kale Kanaeholo, and Brooke Kanaeholo. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles A. Watanabe, and her beloved son, Todd A. Watanabe. Mom is also survived by her brother, Yoshiaki (Betty) Kakazu; her sister, Judith Kakazu; and sisters-in-law, Masako Kakazu and Caroline Tamashiro. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank Dr. Aaron Kaichi and his staff for the excellent care they provided Mom throughout her life. She spoke very highly of Dr. Kaichi and we are very grateful for the care he provided to her. Services will be held on Monday, December 21, 2015 at the Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel. Visitation from 5-6 p.m. with services to begin at 6 p.m. Casual attire, no flowers. It goes without saying, we love and miss you, Mom.
JEAN M. WATANABE Our mother, Jean Miyoko (Kakazu) Watanabe, age 85, passed away on November 9, 2015 at her home. Mom was born on February 14, 1930 in Wahiawa. One of nine siblings, she was raised in a loving household with strong Okinawan roots, which is the same way she raised her children. Through their common love for music, Mom met our father, the late Charles A. Watanabe, and their marriage lasted 42 years until his untimely passing in 1995. Dad did not want Mom to work outside of the home while we were young so while the family got by on only one income, Mom made it work and we were never without the good things in life. As we got older, Mom worked as a secretary with Oka's Auto Body in Waipahu, retiring when she was 70 years old. A strong and devout Buddhist, Mom was a member of the Waipahu Hongwanji Mission where she would devote many volunteer hours. She was a member of the Buddhist Women's Association, the Karaoke Club, and the Ikebana Club. Mom loved the Obon season and dancing with her many friends at various Obon dances. She was also a member of the Wahiawa Kyoyu Kai, never forgetting her Okinawan heritage. Being that family was everything to Mom, she was so happy that our multi-generational family maintains close ties. Although she could no longer bowl or golf in the family's monthly outings, Mom looked forward to the post activity Kazoku dinners/"talk story" sessions. We will all miss her chili, mochi, and kobumaki, but most of all, her sweet, humble, and kind disposition. Mom is survived by her three daughters, Charijean Watanabe and husband, Ted Taniguchi; Lori Kanaeholo and husband, Vincent; and Lilinoe Watanabe and husband, Vernon Miller. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Zachary Taniguchi, Kale Kanaeholo, and Brooke Kanaeholo. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles A. Watanabe, and her beloved son, Todd A. Watanabe. Mom is also survived by her brother, Yoshiaki (Betty) Kakazu; her sister, Judith Kakazu; and sisters-in-law, Masako Kakazu and Caroline Tamashiro. Also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank Dr. Aaron Kaichi and his staff for the excellent care they provided Mom throughout her life. She spoke very highly of Dr. Kaichi and we are very grateful for the care he provided to her. Services will be held on Monday, December 21, 2015 at the Mililani Mortuary Mauka Chapel. Visitation from 5-6 p.m. with services to begin at 6 p.m. Casual attire, no flowers. It goes without saying, we love and miss you, Mom.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
