Shirley Kiam Chew Asentista, formerly of Kahana Bay, Oahu, peacefully passed away at home on May 18, 2021 at the age of 90. She graduated from Kahuku High School and ran the family business, Kam Mon Family Store in Kahana Valley. She later ventured into hospitality working at the St. Francis Hospital Coffee Shop, the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific Cafeteria and Waitressed at the Waikiki Grand Hotel. In 1953, she married the love of her life, Jose Asentista. Together they were transferred by the U.S. Air Force to the Philippines and later to Lincoln, Nebraska. Upon returning to Oahu, they helped in caring for many of Shirley's nephews and nieces, raising them in their Kalihi home along with their five children. Cooking was one of Shirley's greatest joys! She enjoyed having family and friends over for dinner. She was known for making the best beef stew, spare ribs, pickled mango, butter mochi and butter cookies! Her leisure hobbies included weekly trips to the swap meet, shopping for her grandkids and treating herself to pastries at Liliha Bakery. Shirley was a very generous woman, always helping people and giving from her heart! She was a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of the Mount Catholic Church. Her favorite songs were, Hawaii Aloha, Manuela Boy, and instrumentals from The Ventures. Shirley is survived by her children, Llory, Cindy, Lisa, Sheri and Jay; sister, Amy Kamaka'ala; hanai children, Paulette Palmer and Thor Kamaka'ala; 16 grandchildren & 17 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Jose; parents, Sun Wo and Eleanor Kam; sister, Bertha Evans and brother, Kwai Sun Kam. Private services were held.
Shirley Kiam Chew Asentista, formerly of Kahana Bay, Oahu, peacefully passed away at home on May 18, 2021 at the age of 90. She graduated from Kahuku High School and ran the family business, Kam Mon Family Store in Kahana Valley. She later ventured into hospitality working at the St. Francis Hospital Coffee Shop, the Rehab Hospital of the Pacific Cafeteria and Waitressed at the Waikiki Grand Hotel. In 1953, she married the love of her life, Jose Asentista. Together they were transferred by the U.S. Air Force to the Philippines and later to Lincoln, Nebraska. Upon returning to Oahu, they helped in caring for many of Shirley's nephews and nieces, raising them in their Kalihi home along with their five children. Cooking was one of Shirley's greatest joys! She enjoyed having family and friends over for dinner. She was known for making the best beef stew, spare ribs, pickled mango, butter mochi and butter cookies! Her leisure hobbies included weekly trips to the swap meet, shopping for her grandkids and treating herself to pastries at Liliha Bakery. Shirley was a very generous woman, always helping people and giving from her heart! She was a faithful parishioner at Our Lady of the Mount Catholic Church. Her favorite songs were, Hawaii Aloha, Manuela Boy, and instrumentals from The Ventures. Shirley is survived by her children, Llory, Cindy, Lisa, Sheri and Jay; sister, Amy Kamaka'ala; hanai children, Paulette Palmer and Thor Kamaka'ala; 16 grandchildren & 17 great grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Jose; parents, Sun Wo and Eleanor Kam; sister, Bertha Evans and brother, Kwai Sun Kam. Private services were held.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
