Kathleen Naomi Kalama Kelsey

Kathleen Naomi Kalama was born on the Hawaiian island of Molokai on Oct 11, 1947 to Alexander Baldwin Nainoa Kalama and Idamae Kolohelani (Apaka)Kalama. She returned home on May 26, 2025 surrounded by love in Reno, Nevada.

Our Mom was born and raised in Hawaii before moving to El Monte, California with her family. She was the oldest (last surviving) of four with siblings, Baldwin (Bud) Kalama Jr, Keahi Scholer and Ronald Kalama. She loved and embraced her mixed culture of Hawaiian, Chinese and Portuguese. Prior to moving to the mainland she attended Kamehameha school where she excelled in academics and fully embraced her Hawaiian culture. In Hawaii she was raised with her Chinese grandparents where she learned gardening and Chinese customs. She also embraced the gift of gab from her Portuguese side.

In the mainland, she graduated from Rosemead High School. She had the unique experience of attending school with so many of her cousins. Her cousins were like siblings growing up and she carried those strong bonds throughout her life.

Our Mom lived by three F’s - FAMILY, FAITH and FUN! Family was everything. We were raised with our family as our closest friends just as she was. Her faith in the LDS religion sustained her through all of her worldly struggles. In her early 20’s she was burned on over 80% of her body from a fluke accident while Hula dancing. Her family and faith made miracles happen to push her through the difficult recovery. She miraculously recovered and had five stunningly beautiful daughters. She really embraced her second chance at life after the accident and found fun in all she did. She was constantly amazed by the little things life had to offer. She found joy and happiness with the simplest of tasks. She truly thought “everything is awesome” no matter how mundane. She loved capturing everyday life and often asked those around her to “take a picture” just so she could relive the happy memories.

We are so grateful for the love and cheerleading she has shown us in our lifetime. We will strive to continue her three F’s. Her love for all things shines through us. She is survived by her 5 daughters, Malia Siufanua (David) 4 grand children and 1 great grandson, Kamaile Ronk (Gray) 4 grandchildren, Kayla Crismon Fletcher (Marcus) 3 grandchildren, Vannessa Tahu (Michael) 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandson, Kellee Hasler (Christopher) 3 grandchildren.

Kathleen will be cremated in Carson City, NV. A celebration of life will take place in Las Vegas, NV on Saturday July 26th at 11:00am.