My dear cousin Pauline has gone to heaven to be with Ed and her Ohana. 
Ke Akua welcome her with open arms.
I have been on the continent since 1955. Pauline and Ed were my go to Ohana in Honolulu. I was one of the flower girls at their wedding. It was one of my earliest memories that I cherish.
I remember feeling so special. 
Through the years Pauline and Ed were always there for me and my Ohana when we visited. It was such a joy when they came to visit us on the continent.
We had so many good times. 
Pauline and Ed will always be in my heart.
Aloha pumehana 
A ho'I a'e au
Anthia Oi Lan Ho Austin

Grandma,

My best memories of you are waking up on the porch with my brother, in the same place my Dad and Uncles slept at the same age, and finding you making puka egg toast in a giant wok. I remember you and Grandpa visiting us in Pennsylvania, and when a trip out for lunch with the grandsons turned into Grandpa driving 4 hours the wrong way. We stopped at every gas station in Pennsylvania calling my parents to figure out how to get home. You took Brandon and I for candy and a snack, and we sat calmly not worried about finding our way home. 

I'll never forget your telling us the story of your Dad squeezing your hand when you saw Japanese fighter planes on their way to Pearl Harbor while you were on your way home from church.

I'll always remember being your "chauffeur" as you called it, when I was visiting at 16 with a learner's permit. You sat calmly while Grandpa sat in the backseat teaching me to use the mirrors instead of checking over my shoulder to change lanes. 

I'm sure Heaven could use some help with Grandpa. I'm so happy to have known you as well as I do despite the distance. I will miss you and think of you every time that I think of the islands. I promise to share the story of your life with my children.

Aloha,
Aaron & Heather

Great Grandson Tycho wearing the booties Grandma made for his Daddy 30 years ago 

Remembering my mom,
A mother with so many talents. From sewing clothes for school or play to preparing daily meals with whatever was in the pantry. Dinners in giant pots on the stove to a large roasting pan of Mulligan stew or vinha d’alhos.  She cooked and we cleaned the kitchen every night.  
I remember taking trips to the island of Maui, Kaua`i,  the Big Island, and Moloka`i to visit the family.
Memories of her sitting at the table at the punchbowl house with some kind of handcrafted piece such as knitted sweaters, booties, Christmas mailboxes, ornaments, beanies, hats with Primo cans, feather lei, headbands for straw hats, afghans, bedspreads, quilts, and of course baby blankets. 
My mother was kind and loving to all. Giving lai see or red Chinese envelopes for birthdays. 
And I will never forget every Sunday, we would go to morning mass at the Cathedral in downtown Honolulu and then walk to the Kress store for a fountain breakfast, or get into the car for a trip to Keemoo Farms in Schofield for brunch. 
So many more memories to share and each hold a special place in my heart. Aloha `Oe... Until we meet again. Your son, John

Beloved Ma, 
I thank God that you were my mother-in-law.  From the beginning you always made me feel loved, welcome and comfortable in your presence.   It was beautiful to see your love for Charmaine and each one of your sons, and of course for Eddie.  You had so many talents that you passed on to Charmaine, like cooking, arts and crafts.  You were a great example to all of us who knew you of  perseverance and grace through challenges.

I miss you Ma, but I also know your spirit is alive in God’s presence and Pa Eddie.   We’ll see each other again in Heaven, but until then you’ll live on in Charmaine’s and my mind and heart.  Love you,  Aloha  ‘Oe.

Growing up on the East Coast, there was a physical distance between my dad's family and the islands.  In school with all Polish, Irish, and Italian last names my brother and I always had a different but uniquely American story to tell.  Not to say we weren't proud of my mothers side of the family, but it was the Hawaiian side that made us different.  So we grew up somehow proud of our Hawaiian heritage while also being ignorant of it in so many ways.   

I don't remember my first trip to Hawaii, but the pictures tell me I was an adorable little boy who was pushed around in a stroller.  

So my real memories of my Grandmother start on a porch on Punchbowl in Oahu.  Hearing da' bus ruble off down Lusitania street and smelling a mix of fresh air and cooking Vienna sausage. 
 From the foot of the bed I could see Grandma in her dress stirring in the kitchen, and I inevitably found myself out of bed and at the kitchen table in the corner with a plate and fork. 
As I grew older my memories of those summer's mornings blur into a mix of early morning Spam, French Toast, and Eggs in a Basket breakfasts and always a Hawaiian Sun.  Those morning's sitting in the kitchen of the Punchbowl house enjoying breakfast with Grandma is where I learned about our family.  I heard of my dad as a boy, what it was like during Pearl Harbor, growing up in Hawaii and her childhood and her family in those quiet mornings while she patiently responded to a little boy's curiosity with old photos and well told stories.   Morning's always ended with a game of Mahjong in the Living Room.  I am not sure there is a universal meaning to be Hawaiian, but it's was through Grandma Pauline that I understood our family and heritage.

I am sorry my wife never got to meet her and I think shed have been happy to know there was finally another Chinese girl in the family. For my son, I will do my best to pass down those stories I heard as a boy and remember the importance of quiet mornings and family heritage.



Mom,  It is from you that I learned patience. Whether you were doing a puzzle with a thousand tiny parts or doing an intricate craft that most people wouldn’t even attempt, you would complete it every time. And with perfection.  Only a patient woman like you would have just chuckled when Dads spontanatity would change plans on a dime.  For the lessons in patience I thank you.   I remember buying you a computer one summer and everyone laughed and thought you’d never learn to use it. But I knew better. Every night when Dad , Diane and the boys went to sleep you and I would sit at the desk in Charmaine’s childhood bedroom and have a computer lesson.  You were the best and most patient student I ever had  and after that summer you had a whole new hobby, surfing the internet for recipes and bits of history that interested you.  You kept in touch with family and friends through IM.  I was proud of you Mom.  To this day when Diane asks me “ would you like something special for dinner?” I ask her to make your famous Bisquick Chicken. Thanks Mom for all the things you and  Dad taught me.  I left the islands at the age of 18.  Because of the lessons you taught me I was independent enough to survive away from the family I loved but yet bound to the islands through your love as well.   Aloha.  Your son Steve 

I met mom Pauline briefly when I went for a job with Juan on 2001, on the way back from Kauai, we stop at their house and she smile and ask me what was I up to, when I explained to her what happened she smile moved her hand and and said “but now you know and everything will be good” we all laugh hard, we ate a dessert  and left to go to the beach. Dad Ed on the way out did one of his great dance steps and offer an advice “you just dance this one out and now keep on enjoying life” I was surprised and have been trying to get up to their high standards. Thank you blessed couple. We’ll see you in the heavens. 

Aunty Pauline is my Godmother. Most of the time we spent together was around the holidays. We would go over to drop off gifts and visit. I always looked forward to seeing her and uncle Eddie. They were always so kind, and I always felt welcome in their home. I loved looking at Aunty's tree with all the handmade ornaments. It was magical. I remember her creativity and skill. She always blessed me with a few ornaments to take home. The greatest blessing of all, though is her love and kindness. I will carry her smile in my heart always. 

The only grandma that I ever knew passed away at the age of 89.  We didn’t have a close relationship being so far apart, but she and Grandpa would come to California and visit from time to time. It was always great to see her. She would call on our birthdays and holidays to stay up to date.  Every year she would send us little Good Luck Chinese red envelopes with money in them during Christmas and Chinese New Year’s.  She would send us photos, recipes, and even handmade crafts. During our last visit to Hawaii, we went and saw her in hospice. She wouldn’t talk, but if you asked her questions she would nod yes or no.  During that visit, I told her I would try to come back again soon and visit her. I asked her if she would like that, she smiled and nodded yes.  I told her I love you Grandma, I hope to see you soon.  I gave her a kiss on her cheek and she gave me one on mine. I love you Grandma. Aloha, may you rest in peace as you are reunited with Grandpa, Uncle Ed, and Dad. 

I remember Pauline coming to Waimea to visit us with gifts and food. Always full of Aloha and hospitality. I enjoyed being around her because there was peace. When I’d visit her on Oahu there was always good food. Her gift and talent was also in arts&crafts which Malia learned well. I’m happy to know we’ll see her again soon very soon. Praise God.

Pauline was such a caring and sweet mom, she is my sister-in-law's-mom.  My memory of her is that she was so great at making different kinds of crafts, she could make leis and sew all kinds of things in a flash,  all while making them with such care and beauty.  She passed on that trait to Malia, and then Malia has tried to teach me how to make different crafts but to no avail, I am not really good at that. 
Mama Pauline came to visit me and my husband on the big Island, and back then we used to live at the top of Kaloko mountain, we were at 5,000 feet so it was really cold and damp up there.  When she went back home she started sending me these "knitted booties" for my cold feet.  I had quiet a collection in all kinds of colors, but I wore them all, I still have one pair which I will share with you in a photo.  They keep my feet warm, and like with any kind of gift someone gives you, every time I see these booties I remember her fondly.  She is still keeping my feet warm!  thank you mama Pauline, I will see you one day in heaven with our Jesus! love you always, Claudia and Brian


I first met Pauline and Ed at their daughter's wedding many moons ago. It was such a special moment of laughter and dancing, mostly done by Ed while Pauline laughed and shook her head. I will always remember grandma Pauline as a loving and selfless person. Making sure we were well fed and looked after. A woman of few words but great laughter and kindness. I will miss you everyday until we meet again in the Father's arms. From Fernando, Cece, Jose and Gigi with love.

My mother in law Pauline taught me what the true meaning of Ohana is.  As a young bride she welcomed me into the family and over time her home became my second home. I cherish all the memories of summers spent in Hawaii with her and Dad.  I also cherish the memories made when they would travel to Pennsylvania to spend time with us. Mom was the best letter writer I have ever known.  She was the family historian.  She kept dates of everything recorded for posterity   She preserved our family’s history.   She shared all of her best Hawaiian recipes with me.  And even taught this haolii mainland girl how to make proper rice.  When my babies were born she took the time to knit beautiful blankets sweaters and booties for both of them.   I have great memories of hanging out with her at Borders in Hawaii and reading books together over cappuccinos. We shared a love of reading and always exchanged our favorite books with each other.  Mom,you will not be forgotten .  Aloha 

Mommy you were my inspiration, you encouraged my creativity and  showed me unconditional love. I’m treasuring the times we had and miss seeing you smile, forever your daughter and best friend, Babe.

In memory of Grandma Pauline, 
For 40 years of my life, I was blessed to have a grandma who was talented, patient, and kind. Looking back to my childhood, I have visions of so many beautiful memories of our family spending time together. The ones that will last forever are centered around the many family traditions we shared. From New Years to Christmas and all the other holidays along the way, I have realized that those moments in time are what shaped me to be the person I am today.  With that, I thank you for being a part of my life for all these years. It was time for all of us to say goodbye as you join Grandpa Eddie, Uncle Ed, and Uncle Willie in heaven. 
With Love, 
Your Grandaughter Yuk Lan

OBITUARY

Pauline Choy Young Medeiros

September 6, 1928 – March 9, 2018

Borthwick Mortuary

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