Age 98, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023, in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Born Charlotte Chow to Charlotte Ku'ilani Leong 'Alani and Charles Chu Yuen Chow, Charlotte grew up with her two brothers, Charles and Clarence, and her sister, Florence, in Honolulu. She loved spending summers with her mother selling dry goods on Hawai'i Island. She is a proud alumnus of Maryknoll High School.In 1944, shortly after graduating, Charlotte decided to enlist in the United States Military. She became a part of the Women's Army Core as a teletype operator and took great pride in her service during World War II, for which she received many distinguished honors. In 2021, Charlotte was one of the few women to receive a Congressional Gold Medal honoring Chinese American Veterans.
After the war, Charlotte returned home to Hawai'i, eventually marrying and having five wonderful children. She made a home for her children in 'Aina Haina by working as a lino and teletype setter at the Hawaii Newspaper Agency. Charlotte raised her children with a sense of fun and adventure, and all her children have fond memories of going holoholo around the islands.
Charlotte was a world traveler, but always had the most love for Hawai'i. She was an avid hiker with the "Over the Hill Gang", and is remembered for her aloha and generous spirit. She is famous for what she affectionately called her "uniform," a Hawaiian print shorty mu'umu'u with a lei-style ruffle, and fresh flowers pinned in her hair.
She will be remembered lovingly as a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She is survived by her five beloved children: Robert, Ronald, Melvin, Noelani and Kaleonani, as well as their spouses, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
"Ua hele 'o ia i ke ala loa
me na hulu kupuna i ka poli aloha o Ke Akua.
She has traveled on the long road with the kupuna to the Lord."
Celebration of Life to be held in August 2023.
