Rickie - I am so sorry for your loss.  Please get in touch. All my info is the same.

The day before Terry and I got married, mom said to me, “Take him, he's all yours.”  It was said in a tone of “Good Riddance.”   I thought to myself, “Hmm, this is what they call the mother-in-law relationship syndrome, huh?”  Thirty five years have passed and it's been a wonderful journey with my “mother in law,” whom I've considered my mother these past 35 years.

Mom has so many talents that the Lord has blessed her with. She doesn't let them go to waste and excels in all of them. When I got married I wanted to wear a white holoku for my wedding dress and she offered to make it.  I didn't know how it would turn out, but I said okay to “keep the peace,” all the while keeping my fingers crossed. The dress was beautiful, as were the 4 holokus made for the bridesmaids.  She even made 40 dolls out of the same material from the bridesmaids' holokus.  Over the years she's made our family over 20 blankets and I've used only her blankets.  She could sew anything you wanted, even without a pattern.  She sewed pillow covers, pune'e covers and even upholstered furniture covers.  During the years that I taught seminary, she made pillow cases for me to decorate with the seminary theme, that would be given to each student in the class. Every year without being asked, she would call me to ask how many pillow cases I needed that year.  Such a talented and selfless individual.

Because Mom lived alone, we invited her to my side of the family; parties and activities.  She always came and she became part of our family knowing all my Kauwe and Serrao relatives; being a part of their lives also.   Mom was an integral part of my children's lives, always being there for them no matter what.  I'm grateful for the relationship and love between our children and Grandma Shirley.  Growing up in the lei business and it being an integral part of our family's life, she became a part of that too.  She would come over to my mother's home and string leis till the wee hours.  She would also go to the lei stand to help and also go to the schools to sell leis.  She was there for our luaus and parties and camps and all activities.   She would spend many Thanksgivings and Christmas Eves at our home.  One Thanksgiving she called to tell me she was going to pick up the kalua turkey.   This was 9:00 AM.  She said cook the rice and the stuffing and let's eat it for breakfast.  So we had Thanksgiving breakfast that year.

Mom was an excellent cook.  She made her own maki sushi, Japanese food, Chinese food, and Hawaiian food, anything your heart desired.  I never liked bitter melon, in fact I detested it, but she would always bring stuffed bitter melon and stuffed eggplant.  I've grown accustomed to the taste and now love both of these. My lasagna, Spanish rice, and cream cheese dessert, are all Mom's recipes. She would always call and either ask what we wanted to eat or just bring whatever to eat.  She did this consistently throughout our married life.

Mom was an intelligent woman, so smart.  If I had a question, she usually knew the answer, if not she would find the answer and call me back.  She would send me articles or books with answers to my questions. Mom would always praise my piano playing despite my inadequacy.  Practice, practice, practice she would always say.  Her love of music was beyond anything I've ever seen in anyone.  She loved her musicals.  My children were fortunate in that growing up she took them to all the plays at Castle High School and all the musicals at Diamond Head Theater.  When she would visit our home, she would always sit at the piano and play such beautiful music.  

Mom never liked to go out without her hair being curled and a nice cut.  I think about 5 times she actually let me cut her hair because no one was available. She would say, “I tired of looking like one monkey, cut em, whatever.”  She trusted me, so I “wen cut em.”  It came out okay.

Mom was a hard worker and whenever she did something, it was always done with the utmost precision.  I always admired her for her keen intelligence and work ethic.

Mom was a very caring person. For the past 35 years she has always called to check up on us whenever there was inclement weather, traffic concerns, grandchildren, church events, health concerns, the list goes on and on.  Mom was always there for me and I'm so glad that families are eternal and that she was the example of faith and love that I cherish and love.

I love you, “mother-in-law,” for all eternity…

Grandma was my friend.  She would pick me up from school on some days and take me to McDonalds to eat.  She would let me sleep at her house and she would let me sleep on her bed. She would take me to McDonald's for breakfast, where I would eat the portugese sausage and rice, and she would eat the eggs.
I remember Grandma Shirley as being kind and she loved me.

I have so many memories of grandma, it's hard to just share one.  Grandma was so giving and displayed pure selflessness.  I remember growing up and always having grandma pick me up after school each day, taking me to practices and waiting for me.  I can remember as early as elementary school.  it was in intermediate school that i got more involved in intramural activities like band, soccer and track, and i would spend every day at school til about 5:30.  Grandma was always there waiting for me about an hour early, doing her crossword puzzles.  each day she would have a bottle of water and a snack waiting for me on my seat.  this was something that i was always thankful for.  she continued to do this for me until high school.  by this time i was involved in much more after school activities and my hours were always changing, but grandma never complained.  she always told me that she'd be there for me and wait for however long, she'd rather wait for me than i wait for her (all the grandkids know this line.)  grandma was so caring, loving, unselfish, patient and strong.  i feel like grandma raised me!  there is so much that grandma did for me and she was always so supportive of everything i did in school.  she was one of my biggest supporters.  she is truly a genuine example of the kind of giving person i hope to be.

My Rememberances:
1. Before I started school (i.e., before I was 5) and before Mom started working; it was fun when Mom took us to the school playground to play.
2. Mom substituted at Kuhio Elementary. I don't remember which grade, 1st, 2nd or 3rd, but it was neat to say, “that's my mom.”
3. At Kuhio school it seemed to never ever rain. Every day Mom would say, “take your jacket, it might rain.” I didn't like having to always carry so much stuff in addition to my school bag, so one day I said, “it's not going to rain.” I bet Mom 10 cents and she was game. It never rained and she gave me 10 cents.
4. Mom would always say, “look it up” whenever we asked her how to spell a word. It got us into the habit of looking things up. I was proud in 6th grade during a parent conference when the teacher said, “Terence was the only one in class that knew the word "rector." It was because Mom had gotten us into the habit of looking things up, and while reading the assignment, I looked up the word rector.
5. For show-and-tell in 5th grade, Mom taught me how to make this guava gelatin thing. It was a big hit with the class.
6. We used to go to Mom's office after school, in the old federal building, which was the old post office on King St. It was fun; she would give us filing things to do.
7. Mom would compliment me to develop that particular trait in me. One time, after school (Ala Wai Elementary) I wanted to go to a friend's house that lived around the next [Date] street. She said I could go if I came back at 4:00 P.M. I kept asking my friend what time it was and I did come back at 4:00. Mom went on about how responsible I was. It made me want to be responsible all the time. Another time, at the Kailua home, Mom and Dad were working in the yard on Saturday. I happened to go out and Mom said, “you're the only one that comes to help.” It wasn't true, but after that I would always go in the yard and ask if I could help.
8. In high school, I had developed into the greatest football player in the world. So I wanted to try out for the football team. Dad said, “no” I couldn't play. So during summer try-outs, I would sneak catch a ride in town with Mom, and thus go to football practice. One day, she felt bad for me so decided to let me sleep in. However, as a consequence of that, I missed practice that day, and was thus cut.
9. Mom was someone I always called to ask questions of. Tax questions, family questions, music questions, Hawaiian questions, medical questions, insurance questions, plants questions, "where-is" questions, food questions, clothes questions.
10. The overriding trait I think of about Mom is her charity. I know the other aunties took care of Grandma too, especially Auntie Darlene, but it seemed that Grandma and Grandpa stayed a long time with us. It seemed that Mom took a lot of care with Grandma after Grandpa died. No doubt it was an extra burden that I never wondered about back then. In fact, the fact that Grandma stayed with us so long is probably why I started listening about the Church. Uncle Garner stayed with us a while. Over the years a lot of people stayed at Mom's house, and it reinforced my idea that Mom had so much charity. I told myself that when or if ever Mom herself had to stay somewhere and be cared for, she could stay with me. But she went so suddenly that that never materialized. Mom was such a good woman.

Skitch,
I'm sorry for your lost and my condolences go out to you and your family. She has received the blessing of going on to a better place and that is a comforting thought.

Take care
aloha

Mom was my anchor throughout my upbringing. I never had to worry because she was there for us. She was a most loving, caring, and productive mother I could have asked for. She would sew us aloha shirts to wear to school and always made sure we had a good breakfast before heading out. Her example as a parent was exemplary. She loved family gatherings, which was great for us to meet all the relatives. Now when we look at all the pictures we have of Mom, many favorable memories will return for me to enjoy.  I couldn't have asked for a better mom.

Aunty Shirley was one of the kind 'Aunties' who took my family in when we moved to Hawaii when I was eleven.  She was such a good friend to our family and taught us so much about 'aloha' and loving people with all your heart.  She was also such an example of service and working hard.  I have many good memories of Aunty Shirley: Just a few are (1) in YW when I was 12; she prevented a fashion show disaster by helping me sew, (2) she cooked delicious food for our fiances from the mainland, (3) She was so dedicated to the ward choir and helping me and Zena to stretch our musical talents and courage, (4) she made matching ties for all the Primary boys for the Primary Program, when she saw Asa wearing his week after week (it was his favorite tie) she made him three more. (5) I remember her coming to play the piano for us in Primary multiple times even when her back was sore.  She was so kind and generous and always willing to help out, despite any inconveniences or discomfort that she had to suffer through.  She was a wonderful friend and example.  Lots of love to Aunty Shirley and her family from the McCords.

I was a lucky one to serve on a stake calling with Auntie Shirley. When she gave me an assignment, if it was not done the next day, she did it. Many times I would tell her to let me do it, but no, she had it all done. I don't know how she managed all her service to others but I'm so thankful for the services and ono food she provided for me and our young family back when and opening her home up to us for General Conference viewing at her home when we didn't have TV viewing in our home. She was a great example of leadership and service. Heaven is lucky to receive a special angel.

I have so many wonderful memories of Aunty Shirley!  She has been a part of my life for almost as long as I can remember. Here are a few choice moments:

When I was quite young, I was invited on an inter-island work trip with Aunty Shirley. I remember waiting in the car while she visited with local shop owners to make sure they were accepting and using food stamps correctly. When she returned to the car, she would always have some little thing to say about her visit, then we were off to find a good snack or treat. 

When I was a youth, the young women leaders challenged all the girls to sew an outfit for a fashion show. I had no idea how to work a sewing machine, let alone make an outfit. Aunty Shirley was quick to step in and "help"!  In the end, I was proud to adorn an Aunty Shirley original down the runway. Anyone who knew me then (or now) would know that not a stitch was made by me!!  

Aunty Shirley was very patient as she taught me the workings of a piano. There were many long hours of teaching, directing, correcting, and laughing as I learned how to play the piano. Aunty Shirley taught me to love music.  I remember her buying me tickets to see Phantom of the Opera in Hawaii - my very first opera. That experience helped me to develop a great love for opera and musicals. 

And I can't talk about Aunty Shirley without mentioning food.  She introduced me to Shabu Shabu. And not just the food, it was the whole experience. I remember her setting up low to the ground "tables" set up on concrete blocks, covered in white paper with pillows for everyone to sit on.  On the tables were electric woks ready to cook. Then she would bring out large platters with raw vegetables and beef, and everyone was ready for a night of good food. For my bridal shower, Aunty Shirley was kind enough to pass on some of her famous recipes like Chinese chicken salad, Spanish rice, and those oh so delicious ribs. We are so grateful for Aunty Shirley's cooking skills and her generosity!

We love you Aunty Shirley!

This past week has been filled with many loving memories of mom, our grandma Shirley.  As I shared with family in an email, Mom has helped to raise me and mold me to the person I am today.  When I married Skitch, I was a month shy of 20.  I was very young and extremely naïve.  Mom was there to teach me many things.  We both loved to cook and bake.  She shared many recipe's with me and I made it a goal to become as good as she was - I didn't want Skitch to say..."Hmmmm, my mom's is better"...LOL!!!  Mom was the one who taught me how to give my first baby (Steph) a bath - didn't know how to do that.  With her help, I became a pro and ready for the next two.  Mom loved her grandchildren with all her heart.  She was there in a heart beat to help care for them.  Her grandchildren are the world to her. I remember she would pick them up from band practice, soccer, basketball, school events, etc.  I don't know what I would have done without her help.  Nothing ever seemed too much for mom, in fact, sometimes I would have to watch not to talk out loud about something I needed because she would get it or do it for me - even when I said "no need mom, I got it", no matter - it was done.  Mom loved the Lord with every fiber of her being.  She dedicated her life to the Lord and to her family and friends.  She loved the members of the Kailua 1st Ward and loved to be of service to them.  We appreciate the Kailua 1st Ward as well, for taking care of our mom, our grandma Shirley.  She loved you all very much.  Her neighbors loved her and watched out for her as well and she appreciated them very much - as we do too.  Dennis & Sandy, mom loved and appreciated you so much - as we do too.  Dennis you are her adopted son, her spirit son.  You two have a special bond.  She is working hard in heaven, as she did hear on earth, to prepare the way for all of us to return to the presence of Heavenly Father, and live with her for time and all eternity.  We love and appreciate you all.  To Mom, I love you very much and am grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to be a part of your life and this wonderful Ohana.  With all my heart and Love ~ Debbie Miyahana

When I first moved to Utah, my saimin consisted of spaghetti and Cambells consume soup with green onions and Spam. 
Shirley was horrified and immediately mailed me a case of Saimin packages. (Just add water)!! Pure heaven. 
I took more muumuu's back to Utah with me because she would rather sew her a new one than iron the one she had. My sister Shirley will be sorely missed.
Jeannie Smith

Whenever I would go over to grandma Shirley's house, she would always talk story with me and want to know what was going on in my life.  Then whenever I would leave, I never left empty handed; she always sent me home with food, homemade snacks, magazines, etc!  She was an exemplary person who defined Christlike attributes and I'm sure it affected everyone who's met her.  I will always remember grandma Shirley as being the most generous, always giving of her talents and time, and supportive of all her friends and family.  We all know that on the other side of heaven, she's waiting for everyone's return.

I remember great-grandma always making sure my mobile was turned on so that I wouldn't cry alone in my crib.  She would always scold my mommy the second I started crying, telling her that I needed to be picked up right away! She showered me with kisses and hugs and told me every day that I was so cute and pretty!! She would always comment with pride that there were four generations whenever Papa Skitch and Nana Debbie came to visit me and mommy. I am so lucky that she was able to come to my baby blessing! She took notes of everything Papa Glenn said and went straight home to type them up for my book of remembrance. Sadly, she was not able to complete that for me but I have these few memories of her!

I have very fond memories of Grandma, both through my own recollection and from stories my family has shared with me from my younger years.  She has always showered me with love, support and presents! I spent alost every weekend at grandma's house when I was younger and was fortunate to live with her for the past couple of years; I am even more grateful now for all this time spent together since she is gone too soon.  She has left some big shoes to fill and the impact of her absence will be noticeable.  She made it a point to serve everyone, regardless of cost and effort - even whether or not you wanted it! I know she attended every Church and family event so she could take notes and come home to type it up.  She worked tirelessly to create the perfect ward newsletter every month and even mailed it out to members and missionaries who had long since moved on from the ward.  She is well-known for her meals and ties because she made it a point to constantly be sharing of those talents with others - her family, the members, the Terminix guy, her mechanic and his staff, the ladies at Reynold's Recycling, the Costco workers who helped her load up her car every week, the Yogurtland employee who responded to her question that he doesn't have time for a good lunch on his break...anyone and everyone who ever helped her in some way or who stood in need would receive a heartfelt thank you and a bunch of food!
I remember: sitting on the piano bench while she played and I banged on the keys thinking I was doing a stand-up job; driving her to run errands and she'd say to stop on the main road cuz she was gonna "jump out real fast;" the sound of her dragging feet, announcing her arrival before she was even seen; her hearty laugh as we joked about our changing physiques (age and pregnancy) and she'd say "yeah! come l'dat you know!;" her pull-out couch bed; her obsession with and willingness to leave at least one hour earlier than necessary to wait in the parking lot with crossword puzzles or the newspaper; her love of music and the performing arts - she made sure we went to every Castle play and every broadway show passing through; making me warm milk in the early AMs to help me sleep; the Halloween costumes she sewed for me (Disney princesses every year!); how she would rush my getting ready by assuring me "kids these days wear any kine!!" so that I would grab whatever and get going (yeah right!); her keen awareness of both local and national news; her penchant for chocolate ice cream, KitKat, Mr. Goodbar, chocolate covered macadamias, See's, Pepsi (later Coke), sweet/sour spare ribs, and Zippy's; that she always kept her house stashed with candies, ice creams, drinks, and gum so that the grandkids always had stuff to take home when they visited; her voice when she commented on herself or whenever I injured myself at the gym saying "the ol' grey mare ain't what she used to be!"; sleeping with pillows and blankets in the back of her work vehicle while she visited businesses when I was sick; the blue car she bought when I was born so that I'd have A/C that lasted until I was about Intermediate age...she called it the old jalopy.
There are so many things that I remember and will miss.  I love you so much, grandma and I miss you tons. I can't wait to see you again.

When I first met mom, I was in awe and amazed of her as a woman, mother, daughter of Heavenly Father, and Aunty to all of us.  I remember thinking she was definitely a warrior princess in heaven during the great battle, and she perpetuated this in the life she lived.  She worked hard her whole life, not asking for much, but being very satisfied with the blessings she did receive.  Mom was the quintessential Hawaiian woman and typical to the Mahelona family, they give everything they can no matter how big or how small – they give you their whole heart.  I remember going over to the house looking for Skitch so we could go out chasing girls, and mom asked, did you eat Kevin?  After saying no, not yet Aunty - dat wuz it, she made grindz to last for days.  When I joined the Air Force and was stationed at Mather AFB, in Northern California, she would say, please Kevin call my daughter Rickie, she's such a good girl – take her to church.  However, after I was stationed at Hickam, Rickie moved back home; where we met for the first-time and soon started dating.  I then met the warrior princess mom, the protector of her daughter.  She was straightforward and blunt, “I love my daughter,” what are your intentions?  After Rickie and I married and then was sealed in the Laie Temple, mom pulled me aside to say how happy she was for Rickie and me.  After retiring we lived with mom for a little while, spoiling me like I have never been spoiled.  Every morning she would wake up to make breakfast and have dinner ready when I came home from work.  After Bishop Char called me to be the Blazer Scout leader, I came home from work the next day to find mom bought me the entire scout uniform and all the patches were sewn on.  Her heart was filled with charity as she gave of her talents, her heart, and all she had – I stand in awe at this amazing warrior princess of our Heavenly Father.  She set a legacy for all to achieve, a legacy of hard work, dedication, loyalty, faith, hope, service, and charity…I love you mom with all my heart…until we meet again.

Aloha Miyahana Ohana,
Just wanted to share a few memories of Aunty Shirley with you that really touched me and will forever be remembered.  Aunty was known for her chicken katsu in my house.  When my mom and her served together for the stake, she always blessed our family with her wonderful meals and love for us.  I remember her and her blue car she called Nellie Belle.  She always would say "she still kickin." Another memory I have of her is before my mission she made me hawaiian ties.  She taught my mom how to make them and through her sharing of her talent I was able to share those ties with people in my mission.  Lastly, I ran into her last year and I was raving about her cooking.  She said I going bring food your house.  I told her nah Aunty no need.  That week she came with a spread of ribs, chicken katsu, rice and sides.  I was so shocked to see her and felt bad.  But we all know that is how Aunty Shirley was.  Very giving and always thinking about others.  She is a great example to me and my ohana.   I will deeply miss her and her humor.  But I am sure she is talking story with my mom and my mom is telling her ho dat boy making you make food for him.  What a beautiful life she had and now it is her legacy that you must continue with the generations to come.  I love you Aunty Shirley. Aloha until we meet again.

Aunty Shirley had a heart of gold as she lived on earth. No one worked harder for God and to help others to feel near to God. Heaven must be so happy to have such a devoted worker come home to make heaven even more heavenly. Kathy Summers

     Even though we didn't have extra money for other things, we ate well because mom was an excellent cook. No matter what she cooked, it tasted good. Our dinners were well-rounded and had all the main categories-meat, starch, and vegetable. If we ate our dinner, then we could have dessert, and this was nearly every night.
     Whenever she baked banana cream pie or banana bread, both excellent, as it came out of the oven, Uncle Toots, who lived in Olomana, always dropped by with his family. It was uncanny! Never failed, and none of us ever called him to tell him to come over for dessert, but there he would be knocking on the door.
     During our school days sometimes we ate cereal for breakfast, but quite often mom cooked eggs, spam and rice or something similar, or pancakes, or waffles. So I always went to school full and happy.
     If we were sick, mom would make a baloney sandwich and chicken noodle soup, or similar foods that we liked. For me, these became my comfort foods whenever I was sick, even as an adult.
     It wasn't just that she was a good cook, but rather that she shared her talent with others by always preparing meals for other people or inviting them over for dinner. In fact, right up to the week before she passed away, she was still preparing meals for people. What a wonderful example of charity and service.

Aunty Shirley has definitely been a wonderful influence on the Summers' family!! I remember when I was young, because we didn't have a TV, we would go to her house to watch General Conference. She had so many comfortable chairs, we would all bargain before we got there about who got to sit in what chair. :) She had our family over for dinner, had my sister-in-laws baby shower at her house. When she visited Guam, she took my brother, who was a missionary there, out to lunch. She took my siblings to go see plays and gave us tickets to see plays. I remember when she'd accidentally press a key, during sacrament meeting, while she was sitting at the organ. I love Aunty Shirley soooo much!! I will miss her here on earth, but know she will be an angel to her family and friends and will be working hard on the other side. I look forward to the day I get to see her again!! I love you Aunty Shirley! Love

We miss you, Aunty Shirley! We never could figure out how you were able to accomplish so much in the same 24 hours a day we all have. Thank you for video loaning, and newsletters and music, and books of remembrance, and ties, and baby blankets, and food, food, food -- chicken katsu, ribs, somen salad, chinese chicken salad, and on and on! Thank you for keeping record of almost everything said and done in the Kailua 1st Ward, for hosting baby showers, and for reminder calls and thank you notes, and choir treats and ward directories and sacrament meeting Christmas programs, and Ward Temple night meals and so much more. Thank you for loving us and caring for us all! We'll try to carry on faithfully so we can all meet again one day.

Thank you Aunty Shirley for all the love and kindness you showed our family. Three years after moving away from Kailua, it's still a treat when we receive the latest ward newsletters you so lovingly prepared. We will miss your spunky attitude, your thoughtfulness and your ono bbq ribs! Aloha

I remember when I was just a little boy and Grandma took me shopping for school clothes and equipment for sports. I wanted a particular pair of soccer shoes, but they only had it in the women's size and design. She told me that it didn't matter because no one would notice my shoes; they would only be watching me score goals. Grandma would always go out of here way to make sure that we were well taken care of, no matter what the situation or cost. I also remember she would take us to get McDonalds after school when we were younger. Most of the time we wanted the happy meal strictly for the toy and not the meal, but she never scolded us for not eating our food and always got an extra toy as well. Grandma had one of the biggest hearts, she always support me in my endeavors and would write me letter of encouragement while deployed overseas. I'll miss you Grandma and can't wait till we meet again.

If you called and got her answering machine you always had to yell, "grandma, its me pickup!"  Screened all her calls!  Sleepovers were the best when we were young. She always had us bring our hamper of dirty clothes. Then sometime after we went to sleep and before we woke up they would be washed, dried, and folded. On top of that we always woke up to the smell of bacon, eggs, and rice. Movies were always a special treat. We would always make a stop at Safeway before heading to enchanted lake theatres to fill her enormous bag with candy, chips, and whatever else would fit. It was so obvious walking into the theatre. 
I remember riding in the blue station wagon, backyard fun on the hot metal playground, and having an endless supply of jams she would sew for me. 
She would take us to all the castle high school plays and all the broadway plays that came to Hawaii. After the plays we always went to Yum Yum Tree after for dinner or dessert. 
There are so many memories to share. I miss her greatly and am looking forward to seeing her again.

Aunty Shirley treated us all as if we were here own.  She was a great planner and organized our family reunions.  We are so blessed to have had her in our lives.  Our prayers are with her and all her loved ones.

I love Aunty Shirley! She was always so good to our family. She just brought us ribs on Christmas for dinner! I will always think of her anytime anyone mentions a choir practice, newsletter, or Kailua 1st ward. Truly an angel and always a servant of The Lord. Until we meet again auntie.

he was always a great example of Christ like service, goodness, dedication and love for the Lord, for the church. She was a great woman and passed from this life in the most loving way. It does my heart good to see such a great example of Gods tender mercies for his disciples.
E ho'omaikai o ke Akua.

Your Grandma is such a wonderful example and inspiration to all of us of a hardworking and devoted daughter of God. I don't remember anytime seeing her without carrying her bag of work she has done or will do. She taught me well in my younger days and I looked up to her. If she touched your life you were the better for it. I don't know anyone who can fill her shoes, she will be sorely missed. Thank you Aunty Shirley!

ven though we moved away years ago, she kept sending us the Kailua newsletter. In fact Sonyei just got the last edition 2 weeks ago. Thank you Aunty Shirley!
And boy can she cook! When you go to her house you expect some local or Japanese food...no...Aunty busses out da most broke da mout ribs!
She will be missed...

rom my Ohana to Yours we Send Our Love & Prayers with the Loss of Aunty Shirley.. What a Wonderful, Sweet Servant of Our Heavenly Father. May you All find Comfort that you will see her Again.. Families Are Forever..

I'm kind of shocked! So many memories! My best was visiting her while doing my "Walking Hawaiian!" Now, I'm really glad that I took the time to visit and talk story with her! She will be greatly missed by me!

I remember when they lived in an apartment at Date Street and Kapiolani Avenue. Then they moved to the Enchanted Lakes area in Kailua. I remember all the family get togethers as kids in the mid 1960s. I remember when Trucker, their family dog, mistook grandma Violets false teeth for a bone, and made off with it and buried it in the back yard. Auntie Shirley had to take Grandma Violet back to Maui to make a new set of teeth.

My Aunty Shirley. My mum said she spoiled me rotten when I was a baby. When I moved home almost 5 years ago, she made me a book of remembrance. So sad to hear of her passing but I know she is with all the Ohana now. Love you and miss you Aunty Shirley...RIP.

Ho man, where to begin to reflect on the memory of this marvelous woman. Let's just say she was a blessing to the Irma McMillan family. Not to mention the numerous food gatherings at the Kailua house. This was Lianna's (Tab's wife) first orientation to the amazing Mahelona Uncles' capacity to eat (actually scarf) with one hand, loosen the pants belt with the other hand, talk, and laugh simultaneously! True Mahelona talent!!

My son is Elder Joshua Miller, who is currently serving in the Hawaii Honolulu mission. Aunty Shirley will forever hold a place in his and our hearts. She cared for him like he was her own family and I will always be grateful for her sweet generosity. I can't even tell you how often my son wrote of how much he appreciates and loves your wonderful Mom. He will be at the funeral and I know he is mourning with you. We send our gratitude and deepest condolences to you and your entire family. Love, Tom & Liz Miller, Austin, TX.

Terry,
Just saw your message. I'm not good with Facebook.
Your expression of gratitude carries beyond the ward because even those that were visiting on Sunday expressed thoughts about your mom as they visited our ward in the past and remembered her welcome and influence. I miss her because she invited all to come unto Christ in everything she did, she was a ray of hope for those lost in life, she opened her home to everyone, she was a huge support of the youth and scouts, she unconditionally shared her talents, the list goes on. I got to see a different side of her as her bishop, it was stern but Christlike. I got to see her go back to the temple and recommend her for her temple recommend. I was aware of things she did for others that no one else knew. It was a privilege to have those experience with her. She was happy because of simple things in life. Anything that was above necessity was used for the building up of the Lord's kingdom here on earth. She was a giant in the area of compassionate service, not just service. I would feel inadequate next to her in this regard. One of the treasured privileges I will miss is being able to go to her bedroom window and call her name when I needed to visit with her. I could call on her any time and she would be there for me. She truly loved all in her family and tried to support in any way possible so that they would love God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost. This is the friend I know and love. Our prayers are with you guys as you move forward.

I don't think there is a member of Kailua first ward that didn't feel spoiled by Aunty Shirley. Pretty sure every male member of the Sawada family and any male member of the ward choir has quite a few ties made lovingly. She opened up her home for so many events including my baby shower that wouldn't have been the same without Aunty Shirley's love and oh so delicious food. The Keanini family loves her dearly and we express our deepest condolences to her wonderful family.

Aunty Shirley will be missed dearly.  We no longer live in hawaii but have stayed close and updated through the ward newsletters she sent to us.  She brought us food when our emma was born and was always the last one to leave any church function.  She is one of our favorite memories of our adopted hawaiian ohana.  We love you aunty shirley.  Can't wait to meet you on the other side.

This is Alex Sakaguchi. I am and have been a Kailua 1st Ward member for going on 25 years now off and on as I wouldn't count the times I was on my mission in Japan, away at school, or exploring the world. Anyway, Aunty Shirley was so special. Even on my mission and when I moved away from the ward, she would still send me the ward newsletter so I was up to date on the ward happenings. To her family, I'm so sorry for your loss, but at the same time, I only wish I could be as selfless as she was and be able to pass to the other side with as much confidence to stand before the Lord as I know she had. What a humble and awesome lady she was in this life and I'm sure her organ playing in Heaven is even more magnificent.

I just had lunch with Kailua 2d and 3d missionaries. Elder Talatau mentioned Aunty Shirley was very good to the missionaries. She fed them,  bought them groceries, and made them ties, among other things. They were very appreciative and will try to make it to her funeral. 

As for me,  in addition to what I said previously, Aunty Shirley and I were good friends when we were in Kailua 1st Ward. My children grew up with her,  we ate at her house, went to meetings there, exchanged bowls of soup with her. When Aunty said something,  you listened.  So I suppose it was God's plan that my daughter Kalei married Aunty Shirley's grandson and now we are family. For that I thank you Aunty.

We truly loved your grandma.

A few things we remember about her:

She saw something that needed to be done and didn't wait to be asked, she just did it and did it with flair.  Hence, there was always a ward newsletter, a Relief Society directory, inches and inches of resource material for YW, primary, Activity Days, neckties, quilts, etc. and etc. ad infinitum.  She didn't just say to people, "I am here if you need me, let me know how I can help," as most do.  She saw the need, told people what she was going to do, didn't accept "no" as an answer and showed up with food, help, and love.

My husband once caught her and Frances Mahelona in the Safeway parking lot giggling in the care while eating ice cream.  

You couldn't go to her house and do service for her without leaving with more than you brought.  She once cornered our son Joe in the kitchen while filling to the top a laundry basket with goodies from her freezer.

She bought tickets to the stage production of Phantom of the Opera for me and Scott just after the birth of Emma and babysat and fed all the kids while we enjoyed.  

She was deathly afraid of geckos and didn't like to answer her front door in case one jumped down at her.  Anyone in the know, knew to call on her at the kitchen door.

She had an amazing collection of movies and generously shared with anyone who was responsible enough to return them.  

She was always feeding everyone and her food was delicious.

She had a love of the gospel unmatched by many.  She showed her love by her actions.

When my husband was the bishop and she was playing the prelude music, when she stopped, it was time to start the meeting.

This is when we took the sacrament to her while her nerve was bothering her. Left: Jacob Sawada, low front: Chris Kekauoha, Right: Chase Misi. She was a huge supporter of the youth and scouting. The YM were glad to take her the sacrament. These were good times.

Our family has great memories of Auntie Shirley.  She was a wonderful part of our lives for the years we lived in Kailua.  She was always ready to serve and help anyone in need, a most giving and generous soul.  We love you, Auntie!  The Whitings

Rickie, my dear friend, I am sorry for your loss. I know how much you love your Mom and I am sure she knows it, too. Much love, Melissa

This picture was taken the Sunday before she died. I was so happy that she was able to hold my son, her great grandson, for the first time. She smiled at him and told me he's so cute. I will miss my Grandma Shirley soooo much! She was loving and generous and completely dedicated her life to the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was a great example to me. The best part was that she was my friend! We would talk story, go shopping and best of all eat at Zippys! I love her and will miss her, but I know she is already busy serving The Lord!

OBITUARIO

Shirley Grace Mahelona Miyahana

5 junio, 1926 – 8 enero, 2014

Borthwick Mortuary

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