Tanya Bova left this world on November 28, 2019. Her late parents, Jay and Nicolene Rockstead moved their three young children to Hawaii in the early fifties and eventually settled on Maui. Five weeks after arriving to Baldwin High School, Tani was named Miss Baldwin 1954-1955. She went on to attend Boston University and became a professional model in Boston. She returned to Hawaii to raise her three children, Taryn Waros, Kim (Artie) Chavez, and Jeffrey (Della). After years of raising her brood and being our hula mom (she couldn't dance, but she sure could make a stunning ti leaf skirt or Holoku for us!), she began volunteering at the Honolulu Zoo. She taught us with her determination, focus and discipline that you can do anything. She was successful as the Honolulu Zoo Education Coordinator, developing many of the activities that are still enjoyed at the zoo. This led her on a very successful career in Public Relations and Marketing, including the Sheraton Pacific Division. She is still well regarded by the professionals of her field. Tani met her true love, Gaspar P. Bova in 1975. They were deeply in love until his untimely death in 2015. They made Princeville, Kauai their home for over twenty years before retiring in Arizona, "cheap golf" Gap said. But their hearts remained in Hawaii. They are survived by their four children: Tiffani Bova, Kim Chavez, Teri Waros and Jeffrey Bova, their six grandchildren: Dustin, Kimo, Brandi, Nicolene, Houston and Ryder; three great granddaughters: Alliyia, Charley Faye and one on the way; Tani's sister Sonja Hayslip and brother Jay Rockstead. They will be joined together for Eternity in The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, as Gap proudly served his country in the Korean conflict. A private family ceremony will be held in February. As their children, we kindly ask that donations go to either the Honolulu Zoo or the National Veterans Association. Be kind and make the world a better place for all generations to come.
Tanya Bova left this world on November 28, 2019. Her late parents, Jay and Nicolene Rockstead moved their three young children to Hawaii in the early fifties and eventually settled on Maui. Five weeks after arriving to Baldwin High School, Tani was named Miss Baldwin 1954-1955. She went on to attend Boston University and became a professional model in Boston. She returned to Hawaii to raise her three children, Taryn Waros, Kim (Artie) Chavez, and Jeffrey (Della). After years of raising her brood and being our hula mom (she couldn't dance, but she sure could make a stunning ti leaf skirt or Holoku for us!), she began volunteering at the Honolulu Zoo. She taught us with her determination, focus and discipline that you can do anything. She was successful as the Honolulu Zoo Education Coordinator, developing many of the activities that are still enjoyed at the zoo. This led her on a very successful career in Public Relations and Marketing, including the Sheraton Pacific Division. She is still well regarded by the professionals of her field. Tani met her true love, Gaspar P. Bova in 1975. They were deeply in love until his untimely death in 2015. They made Princeville, Kauai their home for over twenty years before retiring in Arizona, "cheap golf" Gap said. But their hearts remained in Hawaii. They are survived by their four children: Tiffani Bova, Kim Chavez, Teri Waros and Jeffrey Bova, their six grandchildren: Dustin, Kimo, Brandi, Nicolene, Houston and Ryder; three great granddaughters: Alliyia, Charley Faye and one on the way; Tani's sister Sonja Hayslip and brother Jay Rockstead. They will be joined together for Eternity in The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl, as Gap proudly served his country in the Korean conflict. A private family ceremony will be held in February. As their children, we kindly ask that donations go to either the Honolulu Zoo or the National Veterans Association. Be kind and make the world a better place for all generations to come.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
