Ruth Dorothea Malachico Paz Tavares-Toma passed away March 26, 2020, at 96. She was born in Hana, Maui, on February 6, 1924, to Gregoria Malachico and Guillermo Corpuz Paz. Ruth was a federal civil servant for 30 years, then continued working for private industry and State of Hawaii civil service retiring in her mid-80s. Ruth had an exemplary work ethic and received acclamations throughout her career. She enjoyed the people she worked with and loved the work she did. In an unpublished memoir to her children she wrote, "At a very young age I knew what work was about and what had to be done to survive."
Ruth found time for tai chi, exercise, Arthur Murray ballroom dancing even traveling to New Orleans for competition. Ruth's life was one of love, courage, and compassion. Her zest for life, smile, playfulness, and grace coupled with her limitless generosity and non-judgmental attitude served her well.
Ruth was a superb Lector/Eucharistic Minister at St. Augustine by the Sea and Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Her love for her children was second only to her love for God and her church.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, children's fathers, A. G. Goedde and G. H. Tavares; husband Kenneth Toma; siblings: Ricardo, William and Matildo Paz, Rosaline Brito, Soledad Paz-Lau, Anastasia Paz, and grandchildren Appollonia and Chase.
Survived by seven children: Gretchen Ann, James Michael, Lillian Ruth, Richard Hubbell, Susan Marie (Caney Mills), Hannah Maria (Mike Shapiro), Grosvenor Hubbell, Jr. (Lily); 24 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren;17 great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and spiritual companion Robert "Bob" Sweeney.
A Memorial mass will be held Monday, October 17, 2022,
9:00 a.m., at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,
800 Kaheka Street, Honolulu, Hawaii.
No flowers please.
