Caroline Laua'e Palencia

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Philip Palencia; her sister, Winona Kealoha; her brothers Michael May, William Kupihea, Paul Kupihea, Richard Parinas, and Solomon Kupihea; and her son Karl “Buzzy” Liftee and daughter-in-law Marlei Kuhau.

She is survived by her brother Victor Parinas and sister Norma “Dot” Manoa; her children Phylis Asato (John), Joseph K. Liftee (Aldene), Ronald Liftee (Pauline), Darrell Liftee, Harold Liftee (Terri), and Wayne Liftee; her hānai sons Karl Kaonohi Liftee (Kristin), Kelena Palencia (Kahanu), Keliʻi Palencia (Adrianna), Sonny Boy Palencia, Glenn Palencia (Bobby), Sharon Palencia, Vlad Devens (Joy), and Paul Lane; along with nine grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Caroline grew up in Kalihi with Aunty Olivia Kawakami on Pinkham Street, off Gulick Avenue. She was a graduate of Farrington High School. She married Joseph Liftee, and together they brought seven children into the world. They lived on Waimānalo homestead passed down to her by her father. After their divorce, the family moved to Mā‘ili, then Pālolo, and later to Niu Valley, where Caroline married Philip Palencia. The family eventually settled in Maunawili, living the farm life surrounded by an abundance of plants, horses, and chickens.

Caroline worked as a secretary at The Salvation Army and at Star of the Sea School. She was a Christian who studied the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Her greatest achievement was raising three generations of children. She was the foundation of our family—providing love, shelter, food, clothing, guidance, and discipline. She was the anchor that kept our family strong.

Her granddaughter, Lily Berry Liftee, and great-grandchildren Laua‘e Lewis and Isaiah Lewis provided exceptional, compassionate, and loving care for their grandma, extending her life beyond expectations until the very end. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the family members who contributed to her care.

We love and miss her deeply. May she rest in peace and in love.