Theresa Martins

Theresa O. Martins at 99 years old, passed away peacefully at home in Kapahi, Kaua’i on Friday, Nov. 8th. She was born on April 23, 1925 in Kapahi, where she lived her entire life, to Marion Oliveira Ornellas and John Ornellas. She grew up with 7 sisters and 5 brothers.

From childhood, she and her sisters worked early mornings in their family bakery before walking to school.

As teens they worked at the Hawaiian Fruit Packers Cannery and at 22 yrs. old, Theresa married Jacob Kolae Martins (deceased). They both worked at the cannery by day and raised vegetables after work to ship to Oahu while bringing up their 3 children, Hanzs K. Martins (deceased), Jacob K. Martins Jr. and Erika N. Martins.

After the pineapple operation closed in 1973, Theresa continued to work processing papayas at the same cannery location. Then together with Jacob they started a successful tropical flower business that kept them active, healthy and happy in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.

While in her mid 80’s to early 90’s, Theresa took witness

to her husband’s debilitating stroke months before her eldest son’s sudden passing. She cared for Jacob until his transition in 2016. Her Children recently found love letters dated 1946.

Theresa’s last 8 years were spent savoring time with 5 remaining sisters (of which 3 have recently passed), her son, daughter, daughter in law, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survived by: Son Jacob Martins Jr., Sue Oah Martins (wife); daughter Erika N Martins; Bernadine Koerte Martins (daughter in law).

Grandchildren: Jake Martins III, Jennifer Martins, Nathan Weber, Nicole Navarro, Lisa Martins Yamaguchi, Scott Yamaguchi, Keoni Martins, Kalae Makua Martins.

Great grandchildren: Camryn Yamaguchi, Rhys Yamaguchi, Momilani Martins, Kalawai’a Martins, Hilina’i Martins, Kawena Theresa Martins, Pohai Julia Martins.

Siblings: Sister Catherine Ornellas BVM (Iowa) and Eva Ornellas (Oregon).

Celebration of Life on Thursday November 21, 2024 Visitation at 9:00 AM Memorial Service at 10:00 AM at Saint Catherine Catholic Church, Kapaa