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Memorial Keepers(2)
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Rose Kisuk Lew
August 7th, 1923 - August 27th, 2020
August 7th, 1923 - August 27th, 2020
Our wonderful family matriarch, Rose Kisuk Lew passed away on August 27, 2020. Born in Hawaii on August 7, 1923 she spent a full and happy 97 years in Honolulu. She recently moved to Maui to be near her two daughters.
In the 50’s she worked at the Hawaiian Village Hotel where she once met Elvis Presley. She also enjoyed a long career as part of the management team at Honolulu’s iconic Forbidden City, Dunes and Clouds nightclubs where she made many friends in Honolulu’s colorful entertainment industry. She later went on to manage the driving range at Kapiolani Park until her retirement.
Rose is loved and missed by her 4 children, Leroy Rapozo, Sharlene (Rapozo) Rabang, Russell Lew and Francyne (Lew) Heath as well as her 8 Grandchildren Lorine Lopes, Mikel (Rabang) Rafael, Branden Rabang, Kekoa Cullen, Jennifer (Cullen) Mather, Amber Johannson, Parker Lew and Chloe Lew, 8 Great Grandchildren and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren.
She will always be remembered for her tremendous spirit, generosity, and unconditional love for her all of her family members and friends.
Our Ohana has decided that during these unprecedented times of COVID to postpone memorial services to a later and safe time. Communication of condolences maybe forwarded to Francyne Heath (808)419-2678.
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Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Rose’s life with a heartfelt message.
Laurie Baker
My mother, Jan Yoon, was a friend of Aunty Rose; she passed away in 2013 of Alzheimer's and dementia which slowly robbed her of her memory. My mother did not have many friends, especially later in life, but those she did have were of the "priceless" variety. They were those who you would do anything for, but more importantly, you knew they were ALWAYS there for you - no matter what. That was Aunty Rose to my mom; as I started taking more care of my mom and we didn't know whether she recognized us or not, Aunty Rose never stopped visiting her! I hear they met through Aunty Fern and Francyne and I have a common "dislike" for the Lauhala Room where Aunty Rose and Aunty Jan would spend many an afternoon while we daughters would be upset as they bonded ..... we didn't understand the friendship being forged at the time! I'm sure my mom is showing her the ropes up there and they are happily lunching together again. My condolences to the Lew family; i know both my mom and Aunty Rose knew how to pick a friend. They don't make women like them anymore!
Sally Mejia
Rose, you were my first friend here in Hawai’i. I will always treasure our friendship which continued even when you moved to Maui. I’ll miss our lunches, shopping, adventure trips around the island and more. You always gave me sound advice which made a difference in my life. I hope I made one in your life, too. You were a very special lady.
Fran Heath
This was writtten by Jennifer Kamaho'i (Cullen) Mather, Granddaughter and posted on FaceBook 8/29/20: Weʻve used every word to describe it since Thursday. Passing on. Leaving this Earthly realm. Ascending. Losing. Gone. In the end, the only word left to use is the final one that closes the book, but not the story, on 97 years of life, but I wonʻt use it here because there are so many other words we can use to describe that life and not itʻs finality. You were a Grandma/Great Grandma that people dream of having. Loving, kind, overly generous, understanding, comforting, fun, vivacious, and firm when necessary. You lived an entire amazing and adventurous life before many of us were even born and when we were you shared your stories with us that made us laugh and wonder and want to be just as pioneering. And then... you brought us all along on even more escapades and you NEVER ceased to be full of wonder even until your last moments. You may no longer be here physically, but you will never leave us. We ARE you, the embodiment of your lived life, your expectations, your strength, abundant love, adventures still to be had, and stories still to be told. And oh my goodness, the stories weʻll have for you when we see you again! ❤️❤️❤️ So go ahead of us, join the others we love, play mah jong (I can hear the clacking of the tiles already), and continue to love us as we love and cherish you. This is not good bye, but until we see you again. A hui hou, Grandma. ❤️
Jerry Staub
Hearing about Aunty Rose's passing brought a flood of tears to my eyes. But they were soon followed by many smiles. I can still remember vividly the day I first met her. Karen and I were on our Hawaiian honeymoon 44 years ago and Karen told me that there was somebody really special that she wanted me to meet. That special somebody was Aunty Rose. We went over to Aunty Rose's golf stand at Kapoiolani Park. And how right was Karen about Aunty Rose being so special! Rose immediately made me feel part of the family and that bond was never broken. She truly was a very special person and I consider myself so lucky to have known her.
Gregory Richard Chun
This was Aunty Rose's 90th Birthday party held at Seri and Ginny's home in Hawaii Kai! What a shindig that was! Aunty Rose was always our favorite Aunty, who never forgot a holiday or a birthday even when we were separated by time and distance, over all the years we were gone from Hawaii. She was the most generous and unselfish person you could ever meet. I am so happy my 3 children were able to know her and love her as Karen, Ginny, and I did. She was such a character and had the most incredible laugh and a great sense of humor! We will always have nothing but warm loving memories of this very very special person.
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