Ethel Alikpala Ward

Ethel Alikpala Ward passed away peacefully at home on January 21, 2026 at the age of 91. Born in Manila, Philippines, to Federico Castro and Julieta Ylagan Alikpala, she had an older brother and three younger sisters. She graduated from high school at the age of 14 and college at 18 from St. Theresa’s College, Manila. After graduating, she taught English and Tagalog to high school students.

Ethel obtained a Master’s degree at the University of Illinois as a Fulbright scholar and a Master’s degree from the University of Hawai`i, where she met her future husband, Jack. They had three daughters and settled their family in Kāne`ohe in 1968. Ethel taught English as a Second Language at Farrington High School and later became the state specialist for the ESL program.

Deeply committed to faith and community, Ethel was a dedicated member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Kāne`ohe. She served in youth ministry and was a eucharistic minister and lector for many years. Her service extended into community outreach programs such as Catholic Charities and Family Promise, which support families in need.

Ethel was instrumental in perpetuating her Filipino culture through Operation Manong, the Filipino Association for University Women, FilCom Center, the East-West Center at the University of Hawai`i, and Philippine International Aid.

Ethel is predeceased by her husband, Jack Haven Ward and is lovingly missed by her daughters Christine (Scott) Koga, Karen (Douglas) Wrobel, Michelle (Andrew) Montemayor, and grandchildren Matthew Alfelor, Noah Montemayor, Isaac Wrobel, Luke Wrobel, Hannah Montemayor, and Ella Montemayor.

A memorial service and mass will be held at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m.

Ethel’s committal service and inurnment will be at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kāne`ohe on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.