Kathleen Ann Kehlor Harper's Obituary
Kathleen Ann Kehlor Harper
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my dear, beautiful sister, Kathleen Ann Pi’ilani Francis Kehlor Harper, affectionately known as “Moloka’i”. Born in 1960, my sister left this world suddenly and unexpectedly while in her loved family home in Kula on June 5, 2026, in the midst of a very active and happy time.
Raised in Kualapu’u, Moloka’i, on a pineapple plantation, by our parents Julianne and Robert Kehlor, she had a wonderful childhood, full of love and support. Dad was the plantation manager, and Mom was the high school librarian. They were always supportive, caring and loving.
For my sister’s entire life, she was known for her great imagination. She was always coming up with creative ideas and making things, some of which we shared together. In childhood she made a “Neighbor News” newspaper and as a teen she created Christmas surprises for the family, halloween events that attracted people island-wide, and made a huge high school medallion for graduation. She got her nickname “Moloka’i” in college because she was known as the “Moloka’i girl”. As an adult she was a props master for Army Community Theatre, occasionally was a make-up artist for the Opera, wrote plays and a book “Alanui”, and worked at Liberty House and sold her hand-painted Christmas ornaments to them as well as to other businesses. She retired as the janitor at Makawao Library and loved helping with decorating the library for various events. She found great pleasure and another creative outlet in baking desserts and giving her creative treats away. Famously known for her gingerbread cookies, everyone looked forward to receiving these!
She was an extremely loving, caring and devoted person to her family and friends. With her husband Roland she shared a long and loving relationship. She willingly took on caregiving for family, when the need arose. She was always checking in with her friends and helping where she could. I could not have asked for a better sister. My whole life she was always there for me. A constant source of love. Thankfully we were extremely close and shared a tight bond our whole life. It was a very precious relationship.
Devoted to her faith, she was a very active member of the Holy Ghost Church in Kula and had deep beliefs. She believed in the power of prayer, and it did seem as if she had a direct line to heaven!
Her Celebration of Life will be on August 1, 11am at the Holy Ghost Church in Kula, Maui. Donations in her name can be given to the Holy Ghost Church or to the Maui Humane Society, two of her favorite charities.
“Joy” was her favorite word. She brought great Joy and Love to us all and had a very kind and giving spirit. We were blessed to have her bright light in our lives. She will always be with us. I love you always sister.
What’s your fondest memory of Kathleen?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kathleen?
Share a story where Kathleen's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathleen you’ll never forget.
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