Florence Shizuko Hasegawa's Obituary
May 20, 1908 – March 14, 2014
Florence was born Shizuko Fujikawa in Lahaina, Maui, the daughter of Tsuma Honda and Saitaro Fujikawa. A mischievous and daring child, she lived courageously through global, local and personal challenges. She enjoyed excellent health until two months short of her 106th birthday, when she passed away painlessly and peacefully in her Lahaina home.
Widowed at a young age with children, she married George K. Hasegawa (who was later appointed District Court Magistrate.) Together they took care of their three children and she gave birth to Patricia.
During all the years that she prepared her neighbors’ taxes and arranged for their travel, she was also known as “the marriage license lady” who provided licenses for thousands of couples from Maui and elsewhere over more than 50 years, submitting her resignation upon her 100th birthday.
A dedicated volunteer, Florence was the recipient of many awards and certificates from religious, civic and government organizations, even being recognized by Mayor Linda Lingle for being the Lahaina-Honolua Senior Citizens Club secretary who never missed a meeting in seventeen years. Notably, she was recognized as Maui’s “Older American Woman of the Year,” and appeared in three documentary films: “More Mama Drama” produced by her daughter Pat, “Lahaina, Waves of Change,” and “Great Grandfather’s Drum.” She twice made the cover of Maui Time Magazine, once for microblogging on Twitter at age 101 as @GrandmaFlorence with more than 2000 worldwide followers. An interview was placed on YouTube. The second cover article described her as the impetus for Pat’s annual play “My Mama Monologues.” Most notably, she enjoyed singing soprano and was referred to in the Lahaina Town Crier’s 1950’s column as “The Songbird of Lahaina.”
Florence was predeceased by her husband, all her siblings – Miyono Yamafuji, Ayano, Hiroshi, Masashi, Nobu and Yukio Fujikawa, 4 children - Matsuko (deceased as a child,) George Hasegawa Jr. (Ethel), Annie Ueoka, Robert Matsushita (Gladys) and two grandchildren - Glenn Morishige (Diane) and Lei Matsushita.
Surviving Florence are Patricia Masumoto; grandchildren Kay Hirasuna (Stephen), David Hasegawa (Kay), Tracy Kimura (David), Wayne Morishige (Jamie), Keith Matsushita, Scott and James Masumoto (JoAnn); great grandchildren Brett and Brooke Hasegawa, Neil and Ryan Hirasuna (Sonya), Leila Pangelina (Noah), Sean Morishige, Raini and Jacob Ching (Sonia), Jessica and Joshua Matsushita; and great-great grandchildren Chaz Pangelina, Cooper Nakaoka, and Kaisten, Saybre, Jania and Arya Ching. Grandma Florence was heard asking, “Which one are you?” The answer didn’t matter because she expected everyone would eventually meet up for a grand reunion.
The passing of Florence Shizuko Hasegawa marks the end of a historical era with many fascinating stories to recount. Services will be held at the scattering of ashes, hers and those of other family, on Sunday May 4th, 4:00 at the Lahaina Jodo Mission beach pavilion.
What’s your fondest memory of Florence?
What’s a lesson you learned from Florence?
Share a story where Florence's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Florence you’ll never forget.
How did Florence make you smile?