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92, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2021, at her home surrounded by family. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on May 28, 1928, to George and Gertrude Matsuzawa, she was the eldest of two children. Esther graduated from Roosevelt High School, and then the University of Hawaii with a degree in education. In 1951, she met husband Tom while teaching at Nanaikapono School in Nanakuli, and went on to have 4 children. She was a wonderful, dedicated and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who gave her all to her family. Esther also taught at Kahala Elementary, where she can be remembered by her students as being an exceptional teacher and having a huge positive influence on so many of them over the years. "Tutu"as she was known, will be fondly remembered for her passion for her family and friends. Her time with us was both beautiful and fulfilling, and she has touched so many people in so many ways. Although it became more difficult for her to connect with her many friends during the recent pandemic, she still managed to renew and make new friends while sitting in her front yard every evening. Esther was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a remarkable passion for the gospel. We were fortunate to have spent so many years with her, and her legacy will live on for generations to come. Our family extends our heartfelt appreciation to the many people who cared and supported Tutu in her later days, including Annette Cottle, Sharin Burton and Shan Berardy.
Esther was predeceased by her husband, Tom Nekota and brother, George Matsuzawa. She is survived by son, Keith; daughters, Lissa (Gordon) Lau, Michele, and Sheila (Kenneth) Berbert; grandchildren, Allyson Tack, Amanda and Marc Berbert, and Justin and Liana Lau, as well as three great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on June 14, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (4847 Kilauea Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96816). Visitation: 9:00-10:30 am. Memorial Service: 11:00am. Burial 2:00 pm at Diamond Head Memorial Park. Should you be able to join us, please RSVP to familyofesther@gmail.com to attend in person or for a live streaming link. Aloha attire. Face masks required.
Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
