Janet Yaeko Tamanaha

Janet Yaeko Chinen Tamanaha was born on the island of Maui on July 7, 1928 to Kama and Usei Chinen who immigrated from Okinawa in the early 1900s. At the age of four, the family moved to the island of Molokai where she remained until moving to Oregon twelve years ago.

Janet’s early years nurtured her development of optimism, hope, and confidence. She loved school which involved a daily 10 mile walk with her older brother, Seiko. Much to her delight, they moved to Kualapuu village when she only had to walk a mile to school for the enjoyment of learning and friends.

A proud Molokai High School graduate, she was quickly employed by California Packing Corporation upon graduation. She had a gift of making everyone she met feel special so working in Personnel was ideal for her. She remained in her position for close to forty years.

She married Shinichi “Sunshine” Tamanaha and together they raised their children, Arlynn, Michael, and Rick. Her greatest delight was her seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren along with the many family dogs she loved to spoil.

She took pride in her diversity: an American with Okinawan roots, born and raised in the beautiful isles of Hawaii. She felt strong family ties towards her siblings, five brothers and three sisters which nurtured her love of family. Her move to Oregon in her latter years was a great adventure.

Saying aloha to cherished grandchildren, a loving, extended family, along with friends was not easy for someone in her 80s who lived in one place most of her life. She made it work and during the first ten years in Oregon traveled to Molokai to visit family and old friends. She also traveled to California to visit her sister, Toshi, who opened another world for Janet where she made more friendships. In Oregon, she observed her great-grandchildren growing up, joined the YMCA for exercise and friendship, and enjoyed shopping and walking in the neighborhood.

Her bright smile encouraged a cheery hope every morning. Janet loved talking story and teasing. She listened intently to people, sometimes offering advice, but most times making a positive suggestion or encouragement. Not even a pandemic could isolate her. She kept her smart phone at her side and texted with abandonment connecting with family and friends through words and emojis.

We will miss her honest enthusiasm, her joy, her care for civic responsibility, her knowledge, her love of games during the holidays and yes, her quiet, but all encompassing love.