Marie "Doll" Ayres

Doll was born on March 3, 1932 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Being born on Japanese doll day, she received the nickname “Doll” and it became the name everyone would know her by.

Doll was born and raised in Kaimuki and would live there nearly her entire life. She is most proud of being a graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy. Class of 1950, she would say with a glimmer in her eye, to all who would ask. How proud was she of being an SHA alumnae? Her personal license plates on her car read “SHA 50”. The friends she made there continued to be an important part of Doll’s life to the end. Not a week would go by without her making contact with one of her classmates.

Upon graduation from Sacred Hearts Academy, she and some of her classmates would leave for Los Angeles, CA to attend Woodbury College. It was there that she received her Associate of Arts degree. Doll was a local girl at heart and would immediately return to Hawaii after graduation. She began working at Woods of Hawaii located at the entrance to Waikiki. The stories she would tell about the good-old-days in Waikiki in the 1950’s were timeless. Each story was sure to put a smile on our faces.

Anyone who knew Doll knows that she was a huge sports fan. We mention this because it was at a baseball field where she would meet her beloved husband Joe. All Star Third baseman for the Hawaii Braves of the Hawaii Major Baseball League, Joe caught her eye and the rest we say is history. From the day they first met, to the day they married, was less than 1 year, but there was no doubt Joe was the man for her. Doll and Joe lived a wonderful and loving life together and were able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in September of 2007.

Doll was also especially proud of her Portuguese heritage. She and Joe were able to visit Portugal during one of their vacations. Visiting the “Mother Country”, as Doll would call it, was always a dream for them. This would truly be one of the highlights of their life together. Doll was a member of both the Punchbowl Holy Ghost Society and the Portuguese Pioneer Civic Association. The friends she and Joe made at these organizations would last a lifetime.

We will miss Doll, Marie, Mom, Granny. Whatever name we called her, she was the rock for all of us. She was the foundation on which we built our family. We find comfort in knowing that she is now at a better place. Not alone, but still surrounded by some of those who have shared in her life. One day we will all be together again, but until that day comes, we will always carry with us all the wonderful memories we shared with Granny.

Doll is survived by a son Joey Ayres. A daughter Dorothy Ayres-Smith and her husband Braden Smith. 3 grandchildren: Gonzo Ayres, Dallas Smith, and Breanna Fuday-Smith. A great grandchild Cannon John Patrick Wilkinson. Nieces, nephews, and cousins. And many, many friends whom we would like recognize and thank for being such an important part in Doll’s life.

A memorial service will be held on April 26, 2014. Visitation will begin at 9:00am at the Saint Margaret Mary chapel located on the campus of Sacred Hearts Academy in Kaimuki. There will be a Catholic mass at 10:30am. Burial will follow at 12:45pm at Diamond Head Memorial Park.