Effervescent, loving, stylish, kind and "larger than life" - these are just a few words that describe the irreplaceable Ellen "Tuli" Maeda. Ellen was born September 17, 1941 in Honokaa to the late Allen and Carrie Fujinaga. She grew up in the small town of Laupahoehoe, playing alongside her three brothers in the gulches and sugarcane fields of Hawaii Island. In the early 1960s, she moved to Honolulu to attend the Queen's Hospital School of Nursing and soon met husband and lifelong love Tom, whom she was married to for 55 years. A consummate host, Ellen lived in service of others. She had a special gift for making every one of her family members and friends feel like the guest of honor, and because of this she was loved and cherished by so many, near and far. Ellen could throw a party like none other, dressing up her home no matter what the holiday or season, complete with decorations, delicious dishes, special touches and even outfits to match. Of all her roles in life, she most enjoyed being a mother to her three children. She reveled and excelled in being a school mom, and taught her family to work hard, be honest, and be good to others. A woman with a streak of mischief, Tuli's rascal ways contributed constant entertainment, belly laughs and happy memories. Because of her, the world is a much brighter place. Ellen passed away peacefully on August 8, 2019, surrounded by her family and close friends. She is survived by her husband Tom, sons John (Christine) and William (Leslie), daughter Tammy (Sat), granddaughters Beri and Tedi, brothers Edwin, Glen and Morris Fujinaga, grand-dog-ter Cinco, and countless relatives and friends. Her family extends to all who knew her a heartfelt "Mahalo" for being a part of her life. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Effervescent, loving, stylish, kind and "larger than life" - these are just a few words that describe the irreplaceable Ellen "Tuli" Maeda. Ellen was born September 17, 1941 in Honokaa to the late Allen and Carrie Fujinaga. She grew up in the small town of Laupahoehoe, playing alongside her three brothers in the gulches and sugarcane fields of Hawaii Island. In the early 1960s, she moved to Honolulu to attend the Queen's Hospital School of Nursing and soon met husband and lifelong love Tom, whom she was married to for 55 years. A consummate host, Ellen lived in service of others. She had a special gift for making every one of her family members and friends feel like the guest of honor, and because of this she was loved and cherished by so many, near and far. Ellen could throw a party like none other, dressing up her home no matter what the holiday or season, complete with decorations, delicious dishes, special touches and even outfits to match. Of all her roles in life, she most enjoyed being a mother to her three children. She reveled and excelled in being a school mom, and taught her family to work hard, be honest, and be good to others. A woman with a streak of mischief, Tuli's rascal ways contributed constant entertainment, belly laughs and happy memories. Because of her, the world is a much brighter place. Ellen passed away peacefully on August 8, 2019, surrounded by her family and close friends. She is survived by her husband Tom, sons John (Christine) and William (Leslie), daughter Tammy (Sat), granddaughters Beri and Tedi, brothers Edwin, Glen and Morris Fujinaga, grand-dog-ter Cinco, and countless relatives and friends. Her family extends to all who knew her a heartfelt "Mahalo" for being a part of her life. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
