Dora Yukiku Ishikawa Watanabe's Obituary
Dora Yukiku Ishikawa Watanabe, 97, of Kahului peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 20, 2022.
Dora was born on August 26, 1924, in Makawao, Maui, to parents Kama Ishikawa and Kama Higa Ishikawa. Dora and her nine siblings grew up in Old Kailua.
At a young age, Dora traveled to Honolulu to work to help support her family. In December of 1941, she witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor along with her sister Jane Ishikawa Sakugawa. After returning to Maui, Dora worked at Arakawa Meat Market and later started her career at Maui Pineapple Company where she retired after many years of service. Dora also worked in the cane fields during the off seasons.
Dora was a faithful member of Kahului Baptist Church and attended services regularly until she was unable to. Dora especially enjoyed the fellowship after church services with lunch at Wendy’s with her friends.
Dora had a love for music and could be found singing and humming her praises to the Lord. Her joy was infectious and was felt by those around her.
During her retirement, Dora enjoyed playing the ukulele for senior citizens at care home facilities and at other special occasions and events.
Dora also enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Some of her travels included Japan, Okinawa, Alaska, Chicago, Washington DC, Philadelphia, California and Las Vegas.
Dora is survived by sisters, Hazel Okawaki, Elsie (Tom) Nakasone, Naomi Shimabukuro and sister-in-law, Marion Shimabukuro and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces.
Dora is predeceased by her loving husband, Gordon Toshio Watanabe; her parents Kama Ishikawa, Sutetsu and Kama Shimabukuro; brothers, Eichi Ishikawa, Larry Eishin Ishikawa, Shuei Shimabukuro and Robert (Bobby) Shimabukuro; sisters Hatsuko Ishikawa, Jane Toyoko Sakugawa and Stella Sumiko Nishibayashi.
Dora’s family would like to thank the Watanabe Family and Dora’s friends, Jennie Nakamoto, Amy Shinsato, Elaine Miyasato, Amy Kaga, Pauline Shiroma and Annette Ting for their love and support of Dora throughout the years. The family also wishes to thank Roselani Place, Marikit Cardone, Hospice Maui, Kaiser Permanente and Emily Tanaka for their support and care for Dora during the latter part of her life.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Kahului Baptist Church. Visitation at 9:00 am, Service at 10:00 am, lunch to be served after service and Burial at 2:00 pm at Maui Memorial Park.
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