Editor’s note: Obituaries are published free of charge as a public service. Content is subject to editing for parity treatment and style continuity. Date of publication cannot be guaranteed. Any questions regarding obituaries should be directed to the mortuary or to obituaries@westhawaiitoday.com. Memorial advertisements with photos may be purchased through the newspaper advertising department.
Sylvester Pauelua
Sylvester Keali’iho’omanawanui Apiki Pauelua, 82, joined his heavenly Father on Saturday, November 5, 2022. He was born on October 12, 1940 in Napo’opo’o. Syl was an affectionate husband, caring father, and loving grandfather. He enjoyed sharing his love for the ocean with his family. A Celebration Service will be scheduled at a later date. He is survived by, wife, Estelle Pauelua; daughter, Margaret (Matt) Summer; son, Stephen (Jamie) Pauelua; grandchildren, Kylie and Brandon Summer. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Weston Leslie
Weston Leslie, Jr., 51, of Honaunau, Hawaii died March 5, 2023 at his residence. Born in Kealakekua on July 19, 1971, he was a self-employed fishing lure maker. A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on May 27, 2023 at Big Game Fishing Clubhouse at Honokohau Harbor in Kailua-Kona. Scattering of ashes will follow. He is survived by his mother, Yvonne Leslie of Honauanu; sisters, Dawn (Adam Langdon) Leslie of Honaunau and Faith (Donny) Andrade of Las Vegas, NV.; several aunts, uncles; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Leatrice Yokoyama
Leatrice “Aunty Lea” Reiko Yokoyama, 86, passed away on March 30, 2023. She taught in Kau and at Hilo High School. She then became an instructor at Hawaii Community College and retired early to help manage S. Yokoyama, Inc., Kamuela Deli, Freddy’s, Manono Mini Mart and Kawailani Mart. A private service was held at Dodo Mortuary Chapel in Hilo She is survived by brothers Thurston Yokoyama and Paul (Andrea) Toyozaki. Her extended ohana also includes nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-laws and long-time friends. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary, Inc.
Wilda James
Wilda Bledsoe James, 96, of Kailua Kona, Hawaii died April 7, 2023 at her residence. Born in Rankin, Illinois on March 20, 1927. She was a Pilates instructor and a member of the Association of the Blind and Impaired. She is survived by her sons, Robert (Lea) James of Seattle, Washington, Sam (Oksana) James of Kailua Kona; daughters, Martha Harrington of California, Claire (Mike) Mann of Houston, Texas, 4 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary. No services are planned at this time.
Carl Engdahl
Carl Thomas Engdahl, 60, of Mountain View died April 21 at his residence. Born in Akron, Ohio, he was a sales manager for Hawaii Paper Products and formerly employed at Sodexo and Home Depot. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. Survived by wife, Pamela M. Engdahl of Mountain View; son, Alexander (Leah) Engdahl of Oahu; daughter, Calista (Chawn Kaili) Engdahl of Hilo; step-children, Randy Babchuk of Arizona, Shayna Toledo of Missouri; mother, Peggy (David) Boots of Papaikou; brother, Mark Engdahl of Akron, Ohio; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Newton Kekahio
Newton Kawelo Piohia Kekahio, 62, of Kahuku, Hawaii died April 22, 2023 at his residence. Born in Honolulu on August 11, 1960, he was a Truck driver for various Companies on Oahu and the Big Island. He is survived by his wife, Danette Kekahio; sons David Kekahio of Kahuku, Shane (Lindsey) Ryser of Scottsdale, Arizona, Shannon Kainoa Ryser of Kahuku, mother JoLoyce Kaia of Hana, Maui; sisters Shawn Kanani Labrador of Texas; Tanya Kaloa Kekahio-Rennoe of Honolulu; brother Hunter Kea Praywell of Honolulu; 3 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Tuesday May 9, 2023 at the Alae Cemetery Pavilion in Wainaku, 1033 Hawaii Belt Road, Hilo Hawaii. Reception to follow. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Stephen Frank
Stephen Harold Frank, 75, of Hawaiian Paradise Park, passed away on April 22, 2023. Born October 10, 1947 in Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada, he worked in the auto industry for over 50 years and ran a locally owned dealership in Hilo. He is survived by his partner, Lynn Stamoulis; daughters, Christine Frank-Szarecka and Renata Frank; one grandchild, brother, Peter Frank; sister, Jennifer Frank. Private Services were held. Arrangements by Ballard Family Mortuary.
Jesusa Fernandez
Jesusa “Susan” Sampaga Fernandez, 83, of Hilo, died May 1, 2023 at Life Care Center of Hilo. Born in the Philippines, she was retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District. Private services were held. She is survived by family and friends. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.