Diane Yoko Higa passed away peacefully at Islands Hospice on September 21, 2020. Almost reaching her 63rd birthday, she bravely fought the aggressive growth of ovarian cancer during a time of COVID-19.Diane was born on October 10, 1957 in Honolulu. Her parents, Harry and Fumiko Taniguchi were happy and innovative people living on Maui. Upon moving to Honolulu, Harry was a charismatic trade carpenter and Fumiko was a talented multi-machine seamstress.
Diane attended Manoa Elementary School, Highlands Intermediate School and graduating in the first class of Pearl City High School. She enjoyed the fashion industry while working at the San Francisco Rag Shop and Villa Roma as a cashier and alteration freelancer. Her adept ability with cash handling led her to First Federal as a cashier. Her unique talent surfaced when she could balance her window to the penny consistently. She then assisted in balancing the branch then the institution, yes... to the penny. This started her journey with financial institutions like Island Federal, Territorial Savings, Federal Home Loan Bank and 50th State Bank. Her leadership was governed by her common sense.
As an unsung heroine in the Hawaii banking industry, Diane's sincere wish is to "Thank YOU", the Management, staff and her teams at Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, Bank of Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank and Queens Medical Center for the many years of challenging yet satisfying times through the good, bad and ugly. "who could ask for more?"
Her hobbies were her loving family, reading suspense novels, running 5K events, taiko drums, line dancing, Wahine and Men's volleyball...GO BOWS!, crazy cow collecting, trying new restaurants, being a good listener, trying new dessert recipes and traveling or planning for business or pleasure.
A special Aloha to Ali'i Nui Aleka Aipoalani and his wife Antoinette for their endless love, thoughts and blessings. May your reign be as beautiful as your hearts.
Diane is survived by her husband, Wayne Higa, of 40 years, most loved son Andrew, sisters Joyce Kobashigawa (Jimmy) and Rita Matsumura (Dale), brother Michael Taniguchi (Louise), 11 nieces and nephews, 19 grand nieces and nephews, 4 great grand-nieces and nephews.
During these times of COVID-19 where it will not be possible to have a normal funeral service, Diane decided, yes she did, to have a closed family service. Her final resting place will be in the Valley of the Temples, Byodo-in.
Only notes of condolences may be sent to the following address: c/o Andrew Higa, 835 Ho'omoana Street, Pearl City, HI 96782.
Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
