Kazue "Karen" (Yokoyama) Zaan's Obituary
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Kazue "Karen" (Yokoyama) Zaan
Kazue passed away peacefully at the Hospice Maui Hale on January 1, 2026 at the age of 96. Kazue was born on December 20, 1929 to Reichi and Kiyono (Kuboyama) Yokoyama in Lahaina. She was the seventh child of nine.
She is survived by sons Michael (Norma) and Earl Zaan, granddaughter Kelly Zaan, Brother Larry (Joan) Yokoyama, sister in law Elaine (Alan Akito deceased) Yokoyama, and numerous nieces and nephews Kazue is predeceased by Husband Douglas Minoru Zaan; parents, infant brothers Noriyuki and Yoshio, Kiyoto (Kimie), Robert (Barbara), Alan deceased (Elaine) Yokoyama, Sisters, Peggy (Richard Iriguchi), Harriett (Maurice Eum) She graduated in 1947 from Lahaina Technical High School, now Lahainaluna High School. She worked at (King) Kamehameha III Elementary School as a secretary (SASA) and retired in 1988. She was an active member of Lahaina Hongwanji Buddhist Women's Association and Lahaina Honolua Senior Club.
She enjoyed playing Ukulele, singing, crafting, sewing, crocheting, playing cards and traveling especially to Las Vegas.
Funeral services will be held at the Kahului Hongwanji Mission on Saturday, January 24, 2026
Visitation: begins at 10:00: a.m. Service: at 11:00 am, and lunch to follow.
Family requesting no koden or flowers.
Donations can be made to Lahaina Hongwanji Mission or Maui Adult Day Care Center.
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