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Karen E. Itoga died peacefully on December 1, 2022 on her 90th birthday. Karen was the daughter of Bert K. Itoga, Sr. and Edith S. Itoga, and a graduate of Lincoln Elementary, Stevenson Intermediate and Roosevelt Highschool. She earned her Bachelors degree in Education at the University of Hawaii and her Masters degree at Colombia University. She taught Pre-School and Kindergarten children on Oahu from Kunia to Kalihi Elementary for over 30 years. Karen was an avid swimmer in her youth and adult years, and later an active student of Tai Chi for most of her post-retirement years. Karen loved eating out with family and friends at luncheons and suppers, always insisting on picking up the bill. In July 2016 Karen moved from her home in McCully to the nearby Plaza (Waikiki) senior residence where she received excellent care for six years. In July 2022 she contracted pneumonia, went to Queens Medical Center where she beat the pneumonia but later contracted the Covid virus. Recovering from Covid, Karen went to Hale Nani Rehab Center for strength building so that she could return to the Plaza. The excellent care at Hale Nani helped her regain some weight but a couple of days before her birthday, she grew weak, fell asleep and never recovered. The evening of her death was preceded by family members and nursing staff wishing her a happy birthday. Karen is survived by her brother, Bert Itoga, Jr., and paternal families: the Itoga, Moriguchi, Endow, Kidani, Kawai, Sakuma, Hasegawa, and Lee families. Maternal side families include: the Hashimoto, Ogawa, Iwashita, Fukuroda, Fukuda, and Sayegusa families.Memorial service will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Hosoi Mortuary, at 2:00 pm with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm. Face mask required.
Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary
