Grace K. Spenser's Obituary
Grace Lindsey Spenser, 96, of Wailuku, Maui passed away peacefully in her home on November 11th, 2024. Born and raised in Waimea, Hawaii, she was the daughter and the fifth child of nine to the late John Kuakini Lindsey and Maryann Lincoln Lindsey. She attended school in Waimea up to the 8th grade. She was unable to continue her education due to Grandma Maryann’s illness. At a young age, she shouldered the responsibility of the family home and caring for her mother. Grace spoke fluent Hawaiian and was able to understand her mother’s needs.
In June 1949, she married and later gave birth to her first son, Marshall Langdon Ching and raised her son with the support of her family. On January 4, 1955, she married Aloysius Spenser, Jr., had six more children while also being an Army wife and supporting her husband. After her husband completed his last two years in the Army at Schofield Barracks, on September 30, 1972, they returned home to Maui.
Grace spent most of her adult life raising her children, and other people’s children where she received the name “Mama Grace.” At one point we counted 54 children that mom raised and are now a part of our extended family.
Grace was actively involved in a number of organizations; ʻAhahui Kaʻahumanu Helu ’Eha, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary Post 3850, Royal Order of Kamehameha 1, Na Wahine ʻO Kamehameha Moku O Kahekili Helu ’Eha, and Hale O Nā Aliʻi.
Her involvement in these organization provided her with the opportunity to engage in and promote Hawaiian culture, provide comfort and laughter to patients at Hale Makua or the hospital when the VFW would sing and play ukulele during holidays and special occasions, and hold various leadership roles and plan conventions. It was during her time of community involvement where she was called “Lady Grace Spenser” and earned the respect of her peers and community members she served.
She is survived by her children; Maryann Fernandez(Alan), Arthur Spenser(Ivy), Carol Ah Nee(Larry), Aileen Spenser, Sera Spenser-Kay(Scott), Althea Magno(Eric) and daughter in law Angie Spenser, 11 grandchildren; Lucas , Nicole, Jennifer, Jenna, Travis, Cody, Austin, Madison, Pilimai, Mahi’e, and Shaine and 4 great grandchildren; Rowan, Eisleymoon, Tala , Charlotte and Ikaika.
She is predeceased by her husband of 66 years Aloysius Stephen Spenser, Jr., her first born Marshall Langdon Spenser,and her siblings; Sarah Taga, Lincoln Lindsey, Eva Kealamakia, Abigail Akiu, Arthur Lindsey, Martin Lindsey, Irene Fergerstrom, and Ella Kimura.
Church services will be held at St. Anthony on December 12th, 2024. Public viewing from 9:30am to 10:30 am, followed by Mass at 11:00am, and burial at 1:00pm at Veterans Cemetery, Makawao.
The family would like to express gratitude to Maui Hospice for providing loving and genuine care in her final days.
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