Barbara Lynne Yadao-Petti passed away on the morning of November 6 in Honolulu. She was 65 years old. Barb's goodness shone through in every aspect of her life -- in her devotion to husband William S. Petti, their deep commitment to God and the Catholic Church, the sweet nature she shared with her brothers and sister, her unwavering belief in each and every one of her nieces and nephews, her long career of public service and her tireless work on behalf of her community. Barb and Bill married in 1985 and were active in the church throughout their marriage, most recently at Saint Jude Catholic Church in Kapolei where Barb served as a coordinator of the Eucharistic Ministry, a lector and a Religious Education teacher. As a sister, Barb always remembered every birthday, anniversary, and special occasion with a card, a phone call, or one of her famous apple pies. She was always there if you needed a shoulder to cry on, an objective viewpoint, or to be in your corner, no questions asked. As an aunt, Barb doted on her nieces and nephews, generously sharing her love of education and commitment to constant self-improvement. Whether it was finding a rare book or registering for college, Aunt Barb was always the family's go-to resource. Her educational achievements were extensive, with an undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a fifth year teaching certificate from UH Hilo, a law degree from Boston College, and a master's in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Barb's professional life was defined by service to others. She worked at the State Legislature, Family Court, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and for the State Attorney General. But the work that gave her the most joy was as a substitute elementary school teacher. A true partner to her husband Bill, Barb was active on the State Advisory Team of the Hawaii National Guard Family Program during Bill's career with the Hawaii National Guard. An avid reader, Barb was also a charter member of the Friends of the Library in Kapolei. Barb was the eldest child of Elias and Josephine Yadao. In addition to husband William S. Petti, she is survived by brothers Emil Yadao (Loriann Gordon) and Elias Yadao (Lynnett Tohara), sister Elisa Yadao Jones (Steve Jones), and nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Barb's life will be celebrated in a mass at Saint Jude Catholic Church in Kapolei on Wednesday, December 7. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. with the service at 10:45 a.m. Burial will be on Wednesday, December 14, at noon at the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 in Hilo.
Barbara Lynne Yadao-Petti passed away on the morning of November 6 in Honolulu. She was 65 years old. Barb's goodness shone through in every aspect of her life -- in her devotion to husband William S. Petti, their deep commitment to God and the Catholic Church, the sweet nature she shared with her brothers and sister, her unwavering belief in each and every one of her nieces and nephews, her long career of public service and her tireless work on behalf of her community. Barb and Bill married in 1985 and were active in the church throughout their marriage, most recently at Saint Jude Catholic Church in Kapolei where Barb served as a coordinator of the Eucharistic Ministry, a lector and a Religious Education teacher. As a sister, Barb always remembered every birthday, anniversary, and special occasion with a card, a phone call, or one of her famous apple pies. She was always there if you needed a shoulder to cry on, an objective viewpoint, or to be in your corner, no questions asked. As an aunt, Barb doted on her nieces and nephews, generously sharing her love of education and commitment to constant self-improvement. Whether it was finding a rare book or registering for college, Aunt Barb was always the family's go-to resource. Her educational achievements were extensive, with an undergraduate degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a fifth year teaching certificate from UH Hilo, a law degree from Boston College, and a master's in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Barb's professional life was defined by service to others. She worked at the State Legislature, Family Court, the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation and for the State Attorney General. But the work that gave her the most joy was as a substitute elementary school teacher. A true partner to her husband Bill, Barb was active on the State Advisory Team of the Hawaii National Guard Family Program during Bill's career with the Hawaii National Guard. An avid reader, Barb was also a charter member of the Friends of the Library in Kapolei. Barb was the eldest child of Elias and Josephine Yadao. In addition to husband William S. Petti, she is survived by brothers Emil Yadao (Loriann Gordon) and Elias Yadao (Lynnett Tohara), sister Elisa Yadao Jones (Steve Jones), and nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Barb's life will be celebrated in a mass at Saint Jude Catholic Church in Kapolei on Wednesday, December 7. Visitation begins at 9 a.m. with the service at 10:45 a.m. Burial will be on Wednesday, December 14, at noon at the East Hawaii Veterans Cemetery No. 2 in Hilo.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
