Lei Mamo (Sousa) Howell, 91, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as fashion designer and retailer of MAMO HOWELL apparel, passed away January 30, 2020 in Honolulu, Hi. She was born January 9, 1929 in Honolulu, the youngest of seven children to Rachel Toomey and Frank Cabral Sousa. Mamo's early years as a classical Hula Soloist was followed by representing Hawaii as it's first high-fashion model (of part-Hawaiian ancestry) in New York and Paris. These experiences helped shape her longer lasting, and successful entrepreneurial life. She became an iconic pioneer in Hawaii's fashion industry. Mamo was well-known for her original and distinctive Hawaiian quilt and lei patterns design motifs that reflected the passion she had for her Hawaiian Culture. Upon graduating from Sacred Hearts Academy, Mamo married HPD officer, Philip "Dixie" Howell. She is survived by daughters Leigh Lei Mamo (LeRoy) Howell-Reed, Dixie Lynn Moana Howell and Step-daughter Julieann Puanani Howell. 6 grandchildren: Tautua, Kahala, Ka'iliAloha, Ka'iulani, Lahela Moana and Kaliko; 8 great- grandchildren. She is predeceased by only son, Philip Brook (Cheri) and loving husband, Philip Edward Howell. Private Family gathering for Final Aloha to be determined. Celebration of Life announcement will be at a later date. Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary
Lei Mamo (Sousa) Howell, 91, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as fashion designer and retailer of MAMO HOWELL apparel, passed away January 30, 2020 in Honolulu, Hi. She was born January 9, 1929 in Honolulu, the youngest of seven children to Rachel Toomey and Frank Cabral Sousa. Mamo's early years as a classical Hula Soloist was followed by representing Hawaii as it's first high-fashion model (of part-Hawaiian ancestry) in New York and Paris. These experiences helped shape her longer lasting, and successful entrepreneurial life. She became an iconic pioneer in Hawaii's fashion industry. Mamo was well-known for her original and distinctive Hawaiian quilt and lei patterns design motifs that reflected the passion she had for her Hawaiian Culture. Upon graduating from Sacred Hearts Academy, Mamo married HPD officer, Philip "Dixie" Howell. She is survived by daughters Leigh Lei Mamo (LeRoy) Howell-Reed, Dixie Lynn Moana Howell and Step-daughter Julieann Puanani Howell. 6 grandchildren: Tautua, Kahala, Ka'iliAloha, Ka'iulani, Lahela Moana and Kaliko; 8 great- grandchildren. She is predeceased by only son, Philip Brook (Cheri) and loving husband, Philip Edward Howell. Private Family gathering for Final Aloha to be determined. Celebration of Life announcement will be at a later date. Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
