Genevieve Amelia Friel, age 83 passed into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, September 9th, 2026. Genevieve (a.k.a. “Pudgy”) was born April 2, 1943, to Alex and Josephine Gomes. She passed peacefully in her home of more than 45 years in Kahalu’u surrounded by many of her Ohana.
Pudgy was a graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy, a longtime employee of the former Pan American Airlines, a dedicated wife and mother, grand and great grandmother, sister and sister-in-law, aunty, cousin and good friend to many, “a cheerful giver” (generous to a fault), with a smile and presence that could light up a room.
She loved flowers, dogs and horses, and her childhood dream was realized when she was blessed to own her own horse, “Little Joe” for several of her latter years along with her faithful sheepherding dog, Phoenix (who is still with us). Unknown to most (in thanksgiving to God for His many blessings in her life), she volunteered many hours of her retired years to the helping of disabled children and even some to the Wounded Warriors returning from Afghanistan and Iraq through horse riding therapies and was the recipient of numerous Presidential Volunteer Awards from two former presidents.
Pudgy is survived by three of her four sons Todd (Yvonne Friel), Billy (Joey Friel) and J Brett; her sister Sylvia (John DeLima); numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Pudgy was preceded by the passings of her husband William M. Friel Jr.; her eldest son Scott G. K. Friel, and; her parents Alex and Josephine Gomes.
Pudgy’s body will be laid to rest with her husband “Bill” Friel Jr. at the Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Visitation will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery & Funeral Services, 45-425 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, on October 26, 2026, beginning at 9:00 am.
A Funeral Service will follow at Hawaiian Memorial Park Chapel, 45-425 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, on October 26, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am.
A Committal Service will take place at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, 45-349 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, Hawaii 96744, on October 26, 2026, beginning at 1:00 pm.
