Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, and Friend, Susan Harue Chatani, of Honolulu, passed away peacefully at St. Francis Hospice on September 7, 2021. She was 91. Susan was born in Huelo, Maui on March 10, 1930 to parents Kamado Izumikawa and Ushi Furugin. She graduated from Maui High School in 1948 and attended the Los Angeles Business School in California in 1955. Susan's first job was at the Dole Cannery. She then worked for Saint Francis Hospital for 39 years, in the accounting and human resources departments.Susan met the love of her life, James Chatani, at a county dance on Maui, then got married and moved to Oahu in 1956. James made the Army and National Guard his career, so as a military wife and mother, Susan would take care of the home and family, while having a full-time job.
Susan loved travelling, and got to visit Japan, Europe, and many of the US states. After retirement, Susan loved going to Las Vegas twice a year with her husband James.
In addition to her interests, Susan was always proud of her Uchinanchu, or Okinawan ancestry.
Besides travelling, Susan enjoyed gardening, reading, watching Korean TV dramas, and playing word games on her iPad, and was an amazing cook and baker. She also enjoyed taking care of her two grandsons. She loved watching NFL football games, never cheering for any team, but rather rooting for the quarterback she liked. Susan was a devoted fan of University of Hawaii wahine and men's volleyball, and football, never missing a game. Most of all, Susan enjoyed watching UH sports while spending time with her family.
Preceded in death by her parents, Kamado and Ushi Izumikawa, husband, James Chatani, brother: Stanley Izumigawa, sisters: Bernice (Anyei) Takushi, Gladys (Yasutaro) Takushi, Kay (Edward) Lee, Grace (Richard) Chinen.
Susan is survived by her son, Colin Chatani, brothers: Harold Izumigawa, Tatsuo Izumigawa, Tokio Izumigawa, Kenneth Izumigawa, sister Ethel Izumigawa, grandchildren: Jaron Chatani, Jarrett Chatani and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A private service was held at Nuuanu Memorial Park, followed by an inurnment ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
