104, of Hilo, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2019 with her daughter, eldest granddaughter, and her wonderful care-giver, Sandy Kapela, at her bedside. Born in Hakalau, on March 5, 1914, she was a retired cook and very active community volunteer. She met and married her husband, David Susumu Yonemitsu, at the age of 17 and moved to Kalopa; then eventually to Hilo where she lived since 1960. While continuing her membership at Pauuilo Hongwanji, she became a very active member of the Hilo Hongwanji including their "Kitchen Ladies" and Fujinkai Japanese dance groups, the Fujinkai and Kyodan choirs and the Hilo Hoyukai. She was also a member of the Hui Okinawa, Hawaii Shima Kumamoto Doshi Kai and Central Komohana Kumiai. Ethel was also deeply involved with the Pomaikai Senior Center for over 40 years and was part of their RSVP program where she volunteered at Hilo Hospital on a weekly basis for almost 30 years. Ethel is survived by her son Ray Masatoshi of Olympia, WA and daughter, Kimiko Brewer of Berkeley, CA; four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews in Hawaii along with their children who were always such an important part of her life.
104, of Hilo, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2019 with her daughter, eldest granddaughter, and her wonderful care-giver, Sandy Kapela, at her bedside. Born in Hakalau, on March 5, 1914, she was a retired cook and very active community volunteer. She met and married her husband, David Susumu Yonemitsu, at the age of 17 and moved to Kalopa; then eventually to Hilo where she lived since 1960. While continuing her membership at Pauuilo Hongwanji, she became a very active member of the Hilo Hongwanji including their "Kitchen Ladies" and Fujinkai Japanese dance groups, the Fujinkai and Kyodan choirs and the Hilo Hoyukai. She was also a member of the Hui Okinawa, Hawaii Shima Kumamoto Doshi Kai and Central Komohana Kumiai. Ethel was also deeply involved with the Pomaikai Senior Center for over 40 years and was part of their RSVP program where she volunteered at Hilo Hospital on a weekly basis for almost 30 years. Ethel is survived by her son Ray Masatoshi of Olympia, WA and daughter, Kimiko Brewer of Berkeley, CA; four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews in Hawaii along with their children who were always such an important part of her life.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
