Karen Kuulei Vida's Obituary
With profound sadness we announce the passing of Karen Ku’ulei (Lum Ho) Vida, our loving wife, mother, sister, tutu, aunty, and friend to all those whose lives she touched. Karen left us while sleeping peacefully at Hospice Maui Hale on June 25, 2020 with her loving husband Royal “Roy” Vida at bedside. Preceded in death by her parents; Kong Lan Obded K. Lum Ho Sr., Alice Kahoopii Lum Ho, Sisters; Alma “Nohea” 1993, Alice “Lulu” 2009, Deanne 2018, Brothers; Stanley “Peachy” 1962, Baby Billiken, Waldemar “Wally” 1991, Obed “Jr.” 2018, Daughter; Sandra “Puanani” Deponte
Meher 1988, Son; “Glenn” Keola Deponte 2012, and Stepson-in-law Earl Vida 2019. Karen was born on January 09, 1933 in Wailuku on Maui, she was the sixth child of eight children. Karen grew up in a musical family. She and her siblings had the finesse and would engage their talent at luaus, backyards, just about anywhere; it’s what they did, you sing, you dance, you play ukulele, and you drink. Karen had a vivacious personality, a beautiful smile and always made people laugh. She loved to cook from tripe stew to avocado pie, always busy in the kitchen, always a gracious hostess, like her mom, Tutu Alice. In 1951 Karen graduated from Baldwin High School on Maui. Her career soon started as a supervisor (forelady) at Maui Pine up to her retirement in 1989.While working at Maui Pine, Karen befriended a coworker, Ann Igarashi, a friendship that was treasured. Every New Year’s Day it was a celebration at the Igarashi’s. Karen believed in hard work and diligence, she always considered it self-respect and fulfillment. Karen’s life changed on January 18, 1986 when she married the “love of her life”, Royal G. Vida and for 34 years they were inseparable. She would always say, “This is the happiest years of my life”. Both were members at the VFW #3850 in Kihei. She was on the board with the Ladies Auxiliary, with endless fundraising, Steak Fry, Pancake Breakfast, BBQ cookouts, all for a good cause. They enjoyed traveling to Korea, West Coast, especially to Reno where her dear friends resided. How they embraced life together with gratitude, devotion, challenges, hopes, respect & love. Karen's last performance was 2 days before her passing. Her nephews and nieces at her bedside singing “E Huli Makou” while nephew Kawika Lum Ho plays the ukulele and Karen dances her last hula while laying in bed, with that beautiful smile and that twinkle in her eyes. Left to honor Karen and remember her love are her loving husband Royal G. “Roy” Vida (2nd marriage 1986 – Present), son Paul “Analu” DePonte (from her 1st marriage) and adopted daughter Leeanda Deponte. Karen leaves step children Royal “Lono” & Earlette “Evie” Vida, Eric Vida, Earl (Melissa) Vida, Carole (Tim) Eleneki and Denny Vida. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her legacy and her passion was her kindness and love for countless relatives, friends, neighbors and especially her hairdresser, Iris. The family wishes to thank Hospice Maui and the staff at the Hale for their thoughtfulness and compassionate service. Special thanks to Nakamura’s Mortuary for their kind and professionalism in conducting Karen’s services. Due to COVID-19, private family services (COVID-19 amended 7/31/2020 by Mayor Victorino, face covering are required and physical distancing of at least 6 feet, gathering 10 persons or less.) will be held on Friday, August 07, 2020, with burial to follow. A celebration of life will be announced for a later date.
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