FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

EDNA EN SIL HAN MARR
EDNA EN SIL HAN MARRIt is with much sadness we announce the passing of Edna En Sil Han Marr. On Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at the age of 98, she died suddenly of a heart attack while dressing to start her day. She fulfilled her wish to live out her life at home where she lived happily for over 65 years. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, Tutu, aunty and a genuine friend to many people. She had a heart as big as her smile. Edna was born on August 18, 1919 in Haiku Maui to the parents of Young Choon Han and Eng Nok Park. They came from Korea in early 1900's to work the sugar plantations on Maui and Oahu. Edna was the second born of seven brothers and sisters. Her life began in humble poverty. To help support the family in very difficult times her mother put Edna to work from the seventh grade to help support the family. She worked as a domestic housekeeper doing demanding physical labor and assisted in cooking meals three times daily. After their father left the family her mother and seven children moved to Honolulu to find a way to make a living. As a young teenager Edna worked at any and all jobs she could find. Her life changed when she was an usherette at King Theatre in downtown Honolulu. She met a dashing young man named Jacob P. Marr who had a colorful personality. Jacob returned to the islands after graduating from high school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at the insistence and beckoning of his mother. Jacob would wait patiently outside the theatre until Edna finished work and they would walk together hand in hand for nearly a half-mile as he escorted her safely home. Edna could not resist his attention and quickly fell in love. Without hesitation she married Jacob P. Marr at a young age of 20. He became the love of her life and they were quickly blessed with two sons, Jerome and Jeffrey. Even with a young family Edna's indomitable sprit continued to drive her to earn a better life. She mastered sewing at night school and made fabulous clothes. She became a master seamstress. She also earned her high school diploma at night school. She was upset when the instructor told her she no longer needed come to class since she learned everything she needed to graduate. But she insisted on staying so she could continue learning. She had a curious personality and learning was her passion. With diligence and a persistent work ethic she climbed the ladder of success that took her to a career with the U.S Naval Shipyard at Pearl Harbor and the Department of Public Works Center. She worked at the telephone repair shop and then to the upholstery shop where she broke the glass ceiling being the first woman in Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to become the leading supervisor. She received numerous commendations awards during her career with the Navy. The Commander in Chief of the Pacific, Admiral Noel Gayler was impressed with her many talents and on many occasions would personally ask for her valued assistance in preparing the Naval facilities to greet high ranking officials from Washington D.C. and other dignitaries. She received his personal invitation to be his guest at his change in command ceremony at Pearl Harbor. Edna retired from Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in 1980 after 28 years of service. Her dear husband Jacob P. Marr, preceded her in death. Surviving her are her two sons: Jerome (Eloise) Marr and Jeffrey (Akemi) Marr; Brother, Thomas (Betty) Han; Grandchildren: Jonathan (Haejung) Marr, Michelle (Brent) Furoyama, Kelly (Bill) Waters and Stephanie (Eldon) Guerrero; Great-Greatchildren: Jacob S. Marr, Hannah Marr, Mari Furoyama, Mia Furoyama, Renee Wong, Emily Wong, Trevor Wong, Sydney Guerrero, Sasha Guerrero and many nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at Oahu Mortuary Chapel & Cemetery, 2162 Nuuanu Avenue. Visitation: 9:00 a.m.; Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m. To celebrate the amazing life of Aunty Edna, a luncheon reception will be held at 11:30 a.m. immediately following the service. ~ The family requests no flowers and aloha attire be worn for attendance. ~

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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