Jacqueline Iwalani Keliihoomalu

Jacqueline “Jackie” Iwalani Keliihoomalu, a loving mother and grandmother, passed away on Friday, December 18th 2020. She was 80 years-old.

Jackie, know by many as “Mommie”, “Kaki”, “Doll”, “Ma”, and “Grams,” was born on April 25, 1940 to Samuel and Hattie Akau of Honolulu, Oahu. She was later hanai by Isaac and Elizabeth Kalua and became the eldest of 10 children. Her family later settled in the beautiful Hauula, where she attended Kahuku High School. On April 25th, 1958 she married her husband, William Kahuakai Keliihoomalu. The couple had six children, William (Billy), Julie, Richard, April, Sam and John.

Jackie was known as a strong woman and a protector of the ones she loved. “Mommie”, a nickname given by her sibling was fitting as she protected and sheltered them from harm as they grew up. Well-known and respected by her community for her witty and feisty personality, Jackie earned the nickname, “Kaki”, which is used till this day by the “old timers”, of Hauula. Although Jackie was best- known for her hard exterior, it came from a place of love. Jackie always looked out for others and took in anyone that needed help; this will always resonate in memories of her.

In the kitchen, Jackie would always say she had a reputation to uphold. From her skilled-take on Hawaiian food, to raw foods like ake, palu, oio, and squid, she’ll remain unmatched. Squid luau her most famous dish, will always be a favorite amongst family, friends and her community. Her flair for cooking will fondly be missed across many generations.

Jackie had a passion for playing cards. She loved to gather with friends to play Sakura and Paiute and enjoyed the challenge of the game. Up until the days, before she passed, she would carry her cards in hopes she could have a willing opponent that she could defeat.

She is survived by her four children, Billy, Julie, April and Sam, her siblings, Jocelyn, Nancy and Denison, and her many grand-and great-grandchildren.

Family, friends, and others whose lives were touched by Jackie are invited to join the family for a live stream on Facebook from her funeral at Borthwick Funeral Home on Friday, January 29th, 2021 from 9 am, till 10 am. A closed casket drive-thru will be held from 10:30 am. till 12:30 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BorthwickOahu.com for the Keliihoomalu family.

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