Helen Sumie Kagehiro's Obituary
Helen Kagehiro passed away on May 31, 2023 at the age of 83. Born and raised in Hilo, she fondly remembered growing up with her five siblings among the Pi’ihonua community. For the past fifty years, she made Maui her home – the place where she raised her three children, worked for and retired from the County of Maui’s Office on Aging, and spoiled her four grandchildren.
Helen was generous with family and friends, always willing to share a bottle of chardonnay, lend an ear, and, especially with her children, provide advice and counsel. Over the past several years, she battled cancer and the loss of her husband with equanimity and grace, weighing the needs and considerations of her family over her own.
She’s survived by her three children Diane (Maurice) Vargas, Susie Kagehiro, and Russell (Soon Young) Kagehiro, her four grandchildren, Zachary Vargas, Jacob Vargas, Cailin Kagehiro, and Lia Kagehiro, and her sister, Mildred Akamine. A private family service will be held on June 16th.
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