Patsy Anne Kinoulu Kanahele Hicks, passed peacefully from this life on February 5, 2017, at home with her loved ones beside her. She was 88 years old. She was born on June 23, 1928, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Annie and Francis Kanahele, a school principal and civil engineer, both of Hawaiian ancestry. Patsy was extremely proud of her Hawaiian heritage. After attending Kapalama and Lincoln Elementary Schools, she entered the Kamehameha School for girls as a boarding student. On December 7, 1941, she awoke to the sound of explosions from Pearl Harbor. While initially thought to be a practice drill, it was soon realized to be an actual attack. Upon graduation with Honors from Kamehameha in 1946, Patsy left Hawaii to attend the University of Redlands, and then transferred to the University of California at Berkeley, where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in History. While a student, she obtained summer employment as a Flight Attendant with Hawaiian Airlines. Here she met her future husband, Gilbert Hicks, a former U. S. Navy pilot from Morrisville, New York. He could not help but notice her vivacious personality and beautiful smile and on July 26, 1952, began their marriage, which lasted over 64 years. Following Hawaiian Airlines Patsy embarked on a teaching career spanning over 22 years primarily in Special Education at various schools, retiring from Ala Wai School in 1987. As a young mother raising two children, and with boundless energy and always a smile on her face she was active in the community. She joined the Junior League, revising the curriculum for the provisional classes. She also served as Chairman of the Volunteers at Kauikeolani Children's Hospital (now Kapiolani Center for Women and Children). Once her children were older, her passion for education through travel took the family on frequent summer road trips to Europe. They visited many countries, museums, historical landmarks, and unique culinary experiences were always part of the journey. Along with travel she developed a keen interest in health, nutrition and exercise, finishing 10 Honolulu Marathons. Once retired from teaching, Patsy and Gil continued traveling to their favorite destinations; forming many lasting friendships in France, Switzerland, New Zealand and Aspen, Colorado. Patsy was always searching for ways to continue her passion for teaching and technology even after retirement. Her 14 grandchildren became accustomed to quizzes, spelling tests and contests. She recently came up with the idea to have each grandchild write an essay; each one judged anonymously. The contest was complete with prizes awarded and a book published containing all the entries. From her interest in an investment club, she contrived a virtual stock portfolio game for her grandchildren and awarded cash for their virtual earnings. Patsy is survived by her husband Gilbert Hicks, sisters Muriel Tice and Beadie Dawson, brother Lono Kanahele, son Arthur Hicks (Leslie), daughter Heather Momi Huitt (John), 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A service for the friends and family of Patsy will be held at Bishop Memorial Chapel of the Kamehameha Schools at 1 pm on Saturday April 8, 2017. A celebration of Patsy's life will follow at the home of John and Heather Huitt. Her final resting place will be in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Arrangements Provided By: NUUANU MEMORIAL PARK & MORTUARY LLC
Patsy Anne Kinoulu Kanahele Hicks, passed peacefully from this life on February 5, 2017, at home with her loved ones beside her. She was 88 years old. She was born on June 23, 1928, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Annie and Francis Kanahele, a school principal and civil engineer, both of Hawaiian ancestry. Patsy was extremely proud of her Hawaiian heritage. After attending Kapalama and Lincoln Elementary Schools, she entered the Kamehameha School for girls as a boarding student. On December 7, 1941, she awoke to the sound of explosions from Pearl Harbor. While initially thought to be a practice drill, it was soon realized to be an actual attack. Upon graduation with Honors from Kamehameha in 1946, Patsy left Hawaii to attend the University of Redlands, and then transferred to the University of California at Berkeley, where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in History. While a student, she obtained summer employment as a Flight Attendant with Hawaiian Airlines. Here she met her future husband, Gilbert Hicks, a former U. S. Navy pilot from Morrisville, New York. He could not help but notice her vivacious personality and beautiful smile and on July 26, 1952, began their marriage, which lasted over 64 years. Following Hawaiian Airlines Patsy embarked on a teaching career spanning over 22 years primarily in Special Education at various schools, retiring from Ala Wai School in 1987. As a young mother raising two children, and with boundless energy and always a smile on her face she was active in the community. She joined the Junior League, revising the curriculum for the provisional classes. She also served as Chairman of the Volunteers at Kauikeolani Children's Hospital (now Kapiolani Center for Women and Children). Once her children were older, her passion for education through travel took the family on frequent summer road trips to Europe. They visited many countries, museums, historical landmarks, and unique culinary experiences were always part of the journey. Along with travel she developed a keen interest in health, nutrition and exercise, finishing 10 Honolulu Marathons. Once retired from teaching, Patsy and Gil continued traveling to their favorite destinations; forming many lasting friendships in France, Switzerland, New Zealand and Aspen, Colorado. Patsy was always searching for ways to continue her passion for teaching and technology even after retirement. Her 14 grandchildren became accustomed to quizzes, spelling tests and contests. She recently came up with the idea to have each grandchild write an essay; each one judged anonymously. The contest was complete with prizes awarded and a book published containing all the entries. From her interest in an investment club, she contrived a virtual stock portfolio game for her grandchildren and awarded cash for their virtual earnings. Patsy is survived by her husband Gilbert Hicks, sisters Muriel Tice and Beadie Dawson, brother Lono Kanahele, son Arthur Hicks (Leslie), daughter Heather Momi Huitt (John), 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A service for the friends and family of Patsy will be held at Bishop Memorial Chapel of the Kamehameha Schools at 1 pm on Saturday April 8, 2017. A celebration of Patsy's life will follow at the home of John and Heather Huitt. Her final resting place will be in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. Arrangements Provided By: NUUANU MEMORIAL PARK & MORTUARY LLC
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
