Edith Ornellas Campos

Edith Ornellas Campos, known affectionately as Edie or Grandma Edie, peacefully passed away on December 13, 2023, at the age of 99, at her home in Kailua, Oahu surrounded by the love of her family. Edith's life was a tapestry of love, faith, and selflessness, born on April 25, 1924, in Koloa, Kauai, to Ida and Joseph Ornellas.

Edith's early years saw her move from Kauai to Oahu at age five, where she established her roots in Kaimuki with her family. She graduated from English Standard Roosevelt High School in 1942 and later attended Honolulu's Cannon School of Business. On February 19, 1944, Edith married Thomas Francis Campos at St. Patrick Church in Kaimuki and built a warm and loving home in Kailua for their three daughters Pam, Sharon, and Debbie.

Edith was a Women’s Army Volunteer Corps member, employed under the State of Hawaii’s Military Governor in 1942, where she worked at The Iolani Palace. Her legislative career began prior to Statehood during the Twelfth Legislature, Territory of Hawaii, in 1958. Edith served the Hawaii State House of Representatives from the First Legislature in 1959 as a secretary to the Eighteenth Legislature, retiring in December 1996 as the Records Supervisor in the Office of the House Chief Clerk. Edith served under seven House Speakers with her extensive legislative knowledge and experience during her dedicated career. The State of Hawaii recognized her commitment, loyalty, and exemplary service with a special resolution during the 19th Legislature in 1997.

Edith was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Kailua, and her faith was integral to her life. Her unwavering commitment to The Lord Jesus Christ was evident in how she lived each and every day. From serving as a Eucharistic minister, where you would often find her at the 11:00 mass on the "Lanikai side,” to her daily rosaries she would say for her family and friends, Edith turned to prayer to find solace and peace as she offered up each person in her life by name and intentions.

As a beautiful woman inside and out, Edith's love and generosity for her family knew no bounds. She was an incredibly devoted wife, dedicated mother, and beloved grandmother with a heart overflowing with love and unselfishness. Edith never missed an opportunity to support her family, attending games, swim meets, celebrations, activities, and every event her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in. Grandma Edie was always the biggest and most supportive fan. Her home was a haven of warmth, always open for a short or long stay, welcoming to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A home where over seventy years of memories were made at countless family gatherings, birthday parties, holiday celebrations, Christmas Eve with Santa dinners, bridal showers, baby showers, and all the spur-of-the-moment get-togethers around the pool.

Edith was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Francis Campos, parents Joseph and Ida Ornellas, siblings Helen Ornellas Menezes, Juliette Ornellas Rohde, George Ornellas Sr., and son-in-law Brian McCreadie.

She is survived by her three loving children, Pamela McCreadie, Sharon Gabriel, and Debra Kaae (Leonard Sr.). Edith leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family. She was the cherished grandmother of 11; Leonard Gabriel Jr. (Glena), Brian McCreadie (Eleanor), Denise “Lei” Gabriel (Marie), Brant McCreadie (Dina), Bridgette McCreadie Ardo (Danny), Cheyanne Gabriel (Trisha), Marlo Gabriel Valdez (Rodolfo), Tammie Kaae Filiault (Richard), Kellie Kaae Kearney (Matthew), Leonard Kaae Jr. (Tara), and Bonnie Kaae (Kiah). Edith was also the great-grandmother of 39: McCreadie Great-grandchildren (Kaimana, Makoa, Christian, Thomas, Brandi, Kolt, Troy, Kiesha, Kayla, Kammiee). Gabriel Great-grandchildren (Marianna, Hi’ilani, Ho’okoa, Ha’ani, David, Chance, Chasity, Cheyleanna, Makamai, Cheyla, Cheyanne, Kaleo, Amanda, Rayna, Iliana). Kaae Great-grandchildren (William, Sophia, Julia, Andrew, Emma, Traven, Ahela’a, Leonard III, Kingston, Kash, Kamala’a, Charlotte, Kailea, Keali’a). And the Great-great-grandmother of 8. Edith is also survived by her youngest brother Joseph Ornellas.

A Funeral Mass in honor of Edith's life will be held at 11:00 am on January 2, 2024, at St. Anthony Church (148 Makawao St. Kailua, HI 96734), followed by burial at Hawaiian Memorial Park (45-425 Kamehameha Hwy. Kaneohe, HI 96744). Edith Ornellas Campos will be remembered for her unwavering faith and the indelible mark she left on the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.