Lisa Marie Kauahi

Lisa Marie Kauahi, of Chula Vista, California, lived a full life before passing away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, Sunday, February 9, 2025. Born to Pete and Vera Kowesky, Lisa was their only child. In honor of the Virgin Mary, Lisa was given the middle, Marie. Growing up and all through adulthood, Lisa’s faith grew strong, living a life filled with her religious beliefs, acting on those beliefs through her actions, demonstrating a deep commitment to her parents, children, and family, and holding her name with respect and in high esteem.

A happy, loving, talented child, who loved to laugh and play, Lisa grew up and lived her entire, almost idyllic childhood, in Chula Vista. Surrounded by a large, close family which included her grandparents, Candelario and Marcelina Madueño, her aunties and uncles, and over 30 first cousins, Lisa was loved deeply.

Lisa enjoyed every aspect of school. Her passion for learning, as well as her love of music, dance, art, books, reading, and all the social offerings school presented, filled her life. A cheerleader at Hilltop Middle School, and member of St. Rose of Lima’s choir, Lisa led an active life, keeping her parents busy. After graduating from Hilltop High School, she attended Southwestern College, all the while working at small, local businesses close to the family home, ultimately moving on to her work at San Diego’s 32nd Street Naval Base.

In February 1991, Lisa married Brian Kauahi. Married for 34 years they had two sons: Brian Kauahi, Jr., in late ‘91, and Brandon, in late ’94. A loving, devoted wife and mother, Lisa dedicated her life to her marriage, children, and small family. In 2011, the family suffered a great sorrow when Brian Jr. died suddenly. Despite this huge, devastating loss, Lisa did not falter in the continued, loving care of her small family and youngest son, Brandon. However, Brandon’s autism worsened, requiring Brian and Lisa to place him in a full-time, 24-hour care facility in Torrance, California, where he lives to this day.

Despite these losses, Lisa’s faith grew deeply, as she turned to it for peace and solace. She was a regular member of the local bible study groups, broadening her knowledge of other faiths, especially the Jewish religion. A voracious reader, Lisa held The Bible, and its teachings close in all aspects of life. She could easily quote scripture when asked, bringing an awareness to family and friends when warranted. Her personal library of religious books and teachings was broad.

A devoted, loving daughter, Lisa was of unending, tremendous help and support to her mother, Vera Kowesky. Lisa cared for her mom, helping to keep the family home clean, tidy and neat, preparing daily meals, and maintaining the home’s entire yard and gardens. Her loss is being felt deeply, but especially by her mother, Vera. At this time there simply are “no words.”

Lisa was blessed with the loving legacy of family and friends and will be missed dearly. She is survived by her mother, Vera Kowesky, son Brandon Kauahi, and over 75 first and first cousins once-removed from the Madueño, Salmon, Verdugo, Sandoval, Medrano and Lucero families.

A 10:00 a.m. mass on Friday, March 7, 2025, celebrating Lisa’s life will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 293 H Street, Chula Vista, California 91910, (619) 427-0230. St. Rose School will be in session. In order to park in the church lot, please use the church entrance at 278 Alvarado Street. Immediately following the mass, inurnment will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park, in the garden immediately behind The Little Chapel of the Roses, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902, (619) 498-4600.

God looked around His garden

and found an empty place.

He then looked down upon the earth

and saw your weary face.

He put his arms around you

and lifted you to rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful

He always takes the best.

He saw the road was getting bumpy

and the hills hard to climb,

so He closed your weary eyelids

and whispered, "Peace be thine.”

It broke our hearts to lose you,

but you didn’t go alone,

for part of us went with you

the day God called you home.