Natsuko Aotaki Kaya's Obituary
Natsuko Aotaki Kaya, 96, of Kahului passed away in her sleep on October 8, 2017. Natsuko was born in Lahaina on June 8, 1921 to Hachiemon and Iwano Aotaki, the eldest of eight children, and lived at Crater Village until her marriage in 1941 to Masayuki Kaya. She worked hard to help support her parents and siblings and then provide for her children, for Pioneer Mill before marriage and later at Ben Franklin and Noda Market and other jobs. After becoming a young widow after 13 years of marriage, she was able to raise and provide higher education for all five of her children. She was preceded in death by Masayuki, son Frederick, brothers Masao and Takeo. She is survived by sons and daughter Calvin (Kathryn), Sylvia (Carl) Sakaki, Richie (Helene), Leo (Kimberly), eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are brother Akio and sisters Ethel Kiyomi Yano, Kazumi Hanzawa, Miyoko Aoki, and Lillian Sakae Uehara and many nephews, nieces and other relatives in Hawaii and on the U.S. mainland. Natsuko enjoyed participating for many years in programs and activities, including karaoke, at the Kaunoa Senior Citizens Center. Services will be held at Lahaina Jodo Mission at 430 pm on January 6, 2018. Family requests no koden (monetary contributions).
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