Our beloved mother, Patsy Isayo Orita, 87, of Aiea, HI, passed away peacefully in her home the evening of April 17, 2024. She was a faithful wife, loving mother and sister, doting grandmother and caring friend. Mom was born in Honolulu, HI on June 22, 1936 to Jitsuichi and Kishiye Orita. She graduated from Waipahu High School in 1954 and at a time when women were encouraged to marry and become housewives, she was determined to attend college. Mom enrolled at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she met the love of her life, George C. K. Chun. She went on to earn a BEd in Elementary Education in 1958 before marrying our Dad on June 13,1959. Our parents bought their first house in Pacific Palisades and Mom stayed home to raise four children between 1962 to 1974.
When Ian entered preschool, Mom started teaching elementary school in the Pearl City area public schools where she continued to serve children and families for many years. About the time our Father came down with cancer in 1979, she returned to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. In 1986, Mom completed a Masterʻs Degree in Counseling and Guidance, focusing on supporting children experiencing separation or loss through the grieving process. She continued in the HIDOE as a school counselor until her retirement in 1996.
Upon retiring, our mother started a second career as a travel agent and tour escort for Royal Adventure Travel, first escorting United States tours then moving on to specialize in Japan Tours. For 22 years, she took 3 to 4 tours out every year while keeping an active social life until she suffered a stroke at the age of 83, in November 2018 while on her final tour.
Mom was a member of Pearl City Community Church, the Aiea Orchid Club, the Waipahu High School Birthday and Reunion Planning Committee for the class of 54, two Newtown walker groups, and several Pearl City area teacher “HaHa” groups, who gathered to celebrate life after retirement by going to lunch at the beginning of each school each year.
She had a passion for traveling, gardening, and enjoying good food in the company of family and friends. The door to her home and heart was always open.Mom wanted most to be remembered as a kind person. She touched many with her warmth, humility, self-deprecating humor, and compassion. Whenever we were out and about with her we were always stopped by friends and acquaintances who wanted to talk story with Mom.
Our mother, Patsy I. Chun was preceded in death by her husband, George C. K. Chun and brother, Gerald (Lynn) Orita and is survived by four children, Cheryl, Robyn (Steve), Dale (Alan) and Ian (Joanne); nine grandchildren, Lessa (Chad), Kevlar, Skye, Kai, Chester, Jonah, Megan, David and Kristi; and brothers, James Orita of Los Angeles, CA and Adam (Kim) Orita of Fairfax, VA, a niece, Vivian (Tim) and nephew, Dennis.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Borthwick Mortuary Maunakea Chapel, followed by a service at 10:30 AM. A private burial for the family will take place at Punchbowl National Cemetery of the Pacific on May 20, 2024.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.6