Loretta Yuriko Ikeda's Obituary
Loretta Yuriko Ikeda of Pukalani, Maui, died peacefully on January 5, 2015, at the age of 83. The eldest of three daughters, she was born in Honolulu, Hawaii to Kiyoshi and Chiyoko Takeyama. Loretta excelled at Maryknoll and, throughout her life, was a “quick study” and practical problem-solver. In 1950, at age 18, she married Ralph Ikeda who had just graduated from the University of Hawaii. They had two children. Loretta loved to sing romantic duets with her husband when young. In their retirement, Mauians would see them holding hands as they walked the malls for exercise and would tell them how “cute” they looked. Before they retired, she and Ralph had worked tirelessly together to expand Ikeda’s in Paia to include branches in Wailuku and Lahaina as well as two Second Look stores in the Maui Mall and Kaahumanu Center. Loretta’s interest in fashion design led to the creation of Napili Sportswear’s line of Hawaiian wear which was sold throughout Hawaii.
Loretta was a voracious reader; she loved stories that made her laugh, cry, and think about Life. She enjoyed listening to dramatic funny stories, watching romantic comedies, going to musicals and plays, hosting big parties at their home, enjoying friendly weekend poker games with their “poker gang,” and playing the slots in Vegas.
Loretta is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Ralph; her daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Douglas Katagiri of Beaverton, Oregon; her son, Gehrig Ikeda of Honolulu, Hawaii; grandchildren Adrianne (and husband, Steve) Kwak of Washington, and Zach (and wife, Amanda) Katagiri of New York; great-grandchildren Ellie Kwak (age 10) and Cara Kwak (age 7); sisters Sheilah Kodama of California and Joan (and husband, Reynold) Shoho of Nevada; and many other beloved relatives, friends, and caregivers. Loretta loved and lived for her family. Soon after her mother’s untimely death when Loretta was 21, she brought her father to live with them on Maui; he lived with them until his death in 1988. She was exceptionally close to her sisters and would look forward to their “sister times.” Her greatest joy was being with family and friends to celebrate births, marriages, reunions, graduations, and good times. She will be remembered as a kind, generous, and caring soul.
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