Shizuko Kawabe's Obituary
Shizuko “Nellie” Kawabe, 94, of Haiku, passed away peacefully at home under the care of Hospice Maui on March 27, 2016 with her loving family by her side.
Services honoring Mrs. Kawabe were held privately at her request.
Shizuko was born on September 6, 1921 in Haiku to Kazuo & Shiyo Tanaka, she was the eldest of three children. She graduated from Maui High School. On Dec. 2, 1941, Shizuko married her love, Mr. Yoshito “Ray” Kawabe. Together, they raised five wonderful children. She worked at various stores, Ikeda’s, Ben Franklin and Crafts Drugs. Throughout her life she was an avid gardener. Having worked in several local nurseries, she developed a green thumb, Ray and her were known for always having a yard full of tropical flowers. She and Ray enjoyed going to Las Vegas a few times a year, often with their children to test their luck at video poker. To Shizuko, family was always most important. Always supportive of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her encouraging words, pride in their accomplishments and loving nature will be greatly missed by her family.
Shizuko was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Yoshito “Ray” Kawabe, and their son, Myron Kawabe.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory, son, Brian (Alison) Kawabe; daughters, Sharon Lau (Jerry) Fujioka, Jill Kawabe, Rayna (Michael) Van Sant; hanai children, Michael & Christine Pagan; brother, Yukio (Mary) Tanaka; sister-in-law, Jane Tanaka & family; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews.
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