Rita De Silva

Rita Lottie-Ann De Silva, 76, passed away on July 17, 2024, in Lihu‘e. She was born on Nov. 28, 1947, in Hawai‘i. She worked at the Garden Island Newspaper for 37 years.

She was preceded in death by parents Fred and Mary Kenison, sons Alan De Silva, Shannon De Silva, daughter-in-law Yukie-Lynn De Silva, grandson Keanu Saito, brother Derek “Tag” Kenison and nephew Damien Kenison.

She is survived by husband Wayne Gordon De Silva, sons Kevin (Julia), Travis (Lisa), grandchildren Moana (Chris) Baltazar, Gavin (Kacie) De Silva, Dustyn (Michaela) De Silva, Carlie (Paden) De Silva, Glen (Andrea) Gusman, Adam (Chazerae) Gusman, Gage (Braeshon) Gusman, Noah (Ne’keya) Gusman, Blaz (Annie) Gusman, Kyle Gusman, Haylie (Ikona) De Silva, great-grandchildren Cijay, Cyris, Christyn and Chloey Baltazar, Aria De Silva, brothers Damien (Glendora) Kenison of Kona, Fred (Chong) Kenison of O‘ahu, Glen Kenison of Hilo, nephews Wayne (Amy) Kenison, Derek (Carly Ann) Kenison, and Ikaika Kenison.

Rita passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her life of 58 years and her family by her side. Rita was an excellent writer and a lover of music. She enjoyed sharing her passion online with friends that she made around the world. She was loved not only by her family but by the community as well. She enjoyed spending her days surrounded by her family whom she loved so dearly. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews on the De Silva side and countless friends she has made over the years. She will be dearly missed.

Private service will be held at a later date.