FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

Miyono Kunioka
Resident of Honolulu, Hi, Miyono Kunioka passed away peacefully on March 9, 2022, with her sister by her side. She was born in Waimea, Kauai, Hawaii, the youngest of five children. She is survived by her sister Shizumi Kunioka. She leaves behind sisters-in-law, nieces, nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews. Her nieces and nephew have very fond memories of spending parts of their childhood summers with her. Later in life, Miyono and her sister spent many holidays in California with their brother, Sadayoshi, sister-in-law (Hiroko), nieces, nephew, and great-niece.

She attended Waimea High School and received a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She worked as a social worker on Kauai and Oahu. Most of her career was spent as an Associate Professor of Sociology at University of Hawaii at Manoa where she was beloved by her students. Her students' fond recollections: "Miyono was a teacher in the UH School of Social Work instructing both graduate classes and practicums in child welfare. This tiny Japanese woman from Kauai could speak her mind whether with colleagues, administrators or her students. Though softspoken she challenged others to look beyond the theoretical and to consider different views. Her students benefitted from her instruction as she helped them view their work through differing lens. She held high standards and was tough, encouraging personal as well as professional growth. She was more than a teacher but a mentor to her students as she fostered an atmosphere of generosity, acceptance and intellectual curiosity. Her imprint continued through her many students in their various professional careers." She also enjoyed supporting the Rainbows in football and women's volleyball.

After retirement, she and her sister Shizumi loved to travel. Places included Russia (during the cold war), New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, numerous European countries and cruises.

Miyono's family would like to thank the Hale Ola Kino staff; Wendell Lee and staff; Jeff and Vivian Chang and family; and Fred Nitta for their care, help and support.

Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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