Josephine Kiawe Stone Miller, also known as "Kupuna Keawe", passed away at the age of 93. Kupuna was born and raised out of Laie, Oahu and had fond memories of her time with her sister Pearl Stone, mother Florence, grandmother and uncles learning na loina Hawai'i, piano, and working in the lo'i. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1946, spent a year at University of Hawaii then transferred to College of San Francisco where she met her husband and had two beautiful children, Ben & Haunani Miller. At 24, she moved back to O'ahu, starting her journey with the State Dept. of Transportation as a cadastral engineer, later becoming a Civil Engineer with a Certification and becoming one of the first female Land Surveyors of Hawai'i.Retiring in 1986, she took to her other passion which was teaching children in Hawaiian Studies. She blossomed as a teacher with the State Dept. of Education at Wailupe & Aina Haina Elementary schools for 15 years while learning 'olelo Hawai'i. This led to her other passion of music becoming a talented piano and 'ukulele player with her church and a singer for The Hawai'i Ecumenical Chorale and dancing hula with Halau Na Mamo O Pu'uanahulu under kumu Sonny Ching for over 20 years.
Kupuna was a strong, passionate woman who accomplished anything she put her mind to. She loved to spend time with her family, children, and sharing the aloha of Hawai'i. Her hobbies included Hawaiiana, genealogy, flowers and creating lei po'o, and being a part of the Kupuna program which allowed her to travel, learn and pass on to others her expertise in all things Hawaiiana. She dedicated her free time with Daughters of Hawai'i, Alu Like and Waimanalo Civic Club as an active member.
She is survived by keikikane Ben Keli'i Nelson & Linda Lehualani Miller, kaikamahine Haunani Florence Miller (deceased), moopuna Toma Kahawai'i Turner & Dakota Keli'i Running Wolf Miller, moopuna nui Tiare Hihimanukipi'okahawaii Turner, nieces/nephews Patti, Mike & Mark Allen, Kathy & Sam Noguchi (deceased), Brynn & Eddie Rallamos, grandnephews-nieces Kanoa, Ikaika & Amber Noguchi, Keali'i & Kristina Wong, great-grandnephews-nieces Mika, Pi'ilani & Momi Noguchi, Harrison Wong & Charlize Gaudiello.
Celebration of Life on Friday, July 8th, 3pm - 6pm at O'ahu Cemetery Chapel. Flowers and aloha attire are welcome.
Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary
