Beatrice Iwalani Sadako Tanaka Gomard, known lovingly as Iwalani, passed away on July 21, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 94. Born on December 10, 1931, in Kaka'ako, O'ahu to Tadao and Annie Tanaka, Iwalani was the third of ten children and lived a life overflowing with love, discipline, and service to others.
Iwalani graduated from McKinley High School in 1949, where she was a Song leader. She also earned a black belt in judo. It was during those years that she met the love of her life, Skippy, and the two married and shared 71 wonderful years together before his passing in 2022. Together they raised three daughters and were blessed with 9 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
A woman of remarkable dedication, Iwalani worked as a billing clerk in the accounting department at Sheraton Hotels, retiring after an impressive 40 years of faithful service. She brought that same dependability and discipline to everything she touched. After retirement, she could be found daily in her garden, puttering among her beloved plants, always with one of her cherished dogs by her side. Iwalani loved her pets dearly and had a dog companion her entire life.
She also gave generously of her time as a golf teacher and coach for elementary and intermediate students. Her expectations were high, but they were always met, and her students were rewarded with praise, encouragement, snacks, and goodies. That warm smile she carried with her everywhere made people feel instantly welcome.
Above all, Iwalani loved the Lord Jesus with her whole heart. She was a devoted member of Lamb of God Church, where you would always find her in the kitchen preparing meals for gatherings and functions, or arranging flowers to beautify the sanctuary. She worshipped with her whole being and encouraged everyone she met to love and serve the Lord with their whole hearts. Her encouraging words will be deeply missed, but they will always remind those who knew her to love the Lord with all they have.
Her favorite Bible verse was what the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 91, "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust…."
Iwalani is survived by her three daughters, Patricia Lani DuPonte, Katherine Iwalani Tumale, and Wendy Li'i Ipo (Bruce) Medeiros, along with her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Borthwick Funeral Home. Viewing will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed by the service at 5:30 p.m., with a final viewing from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Burial will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 10:00 am, at Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery.
