Born on August 30, 1928 in Ookala, Hawaii, Florence was the 2nd oldest of six children, George, Mary, Julia, Nira, and Ernest. Florence was the baker of the family and often used her cookies to bribe her younger siblings to do what she wanted. In 1951, at 22 years old, she married On Sun Kim and they later had 3 children, Laurie, Curtis and Karen. With her husband stationed in various locations with the US Navy and Coast Guard, Florence stayed at home for most of their early years and raised their kids.
After 20 years, On Sun retired and became "Mr. Mom" while Florence worked at the Pagoda Hotel as a PBX operator. Flo-as most of her family and friends affectionately called her-was adored by frequent hotel guests and coworkers. She truly loved working alongside the "kids" as she would refer to them and with some becoming life-long friends. After 28 years of greeting callers with "Aloha Pagoda Hotel, this is Florence, how can I help you?" she finally retired at 77 years old.
No longer having to work 6 a.m. shifts, Flo still kept busy with weekly Tai Chi lessons, Sunday brunch, lunches with her sister, Mary at Golden Duck, trips to Las Vegas, and visiting her children and grandchildren in California. In 2018, she made a big move to California to live with her oldest child Laurie and son in-law Robert where she spent her remaining days.
Florence is survived by her siblings, George Luke (Yoko), Mary Chung, Julia Chun, and Ernest Luke (Mamie); her children, Laurie Ann Manley (Robert), Curtis Sterling Kim (Wanda), Karen Lisa Bates (Tom); and grandchildren, Brentin Kaulani Kapoi, (Nanea), Elizabeth Nicole Bates, Madalyn Kim Bates, John Thomas Bates, and great-grandson, Pohaku Kukahiwiwo'olehohonukai Kapoi.
