Charlotte Dennis, isle
pioneer in home care

By Kulani Mahikoa
Star-Bulletin

Charlotte Dennis, a 40-year veteran nurse who pioneered home health care in Hawaii, died Saturday in Tennessee.

Her colleagues remember her fondly as a patient advocate and mentor to many.

“Charlotte fought on behalf of the patients,” said July Walden, chief executive officer of Kokua Nurses.

Walden was one of the nurses Dennis mentored into the home care field.

Jean Nohara, who worked with Dennis at St. Francis Medical Center, said Dennis “did a lot to make the community accept home health care as a cost-effective alternative to hospitalization.”

Nohara, director of St. Francis Home Care Services, said Dennis believed patients wanted home care and that she fought for it at a time when home care was not widely accepted in Hawaii.

Dennis began her nursing career in Hawaii in 1952. She was director of nursing at Queen’s Medical Center in 1965 and assistant nursing administrator in 1967.

She was named as the Oahu representative to the state nursing board by Gov. John Burns in 1967, serving on it for eight years.

In 1973, Dennis was named “Nurse of the Year” by the Hawaii Nurses Association.

She also served as the principal investigator for a federally funded

study of the quality of nursing care in Hawaii.

Dennis joined St. Francis Medical Center in 1975 where she served as director of Home Care Services until 1991. In 1988 she was honored for her outstanding contributions to the hospital.

Members of the Hawaii Association for Home Care paid Dennis special tribute when they created the Charlotte Dennis Award in 1992 for outstanding contribution to the home care field and made her its first recipient.

A native of Washington, D.C., Dennis earned a bachelor’s degree at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Active in nursing organizations, she was secretary of the Hawaii Nurses Association for eight years; chairwoman of the Hawaii Mana- O-Lana Award of the Hawaii Cancer Society and a lifetime member of the Hawaii Association of Home Care.

She is survived by brother Reyburn H. Dennis Jr.; nephews Donald B., Karl D. and Alan.

Services will be held on the mainland. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Francis Home Care Services, 2230 Liliha St., Honolulu 96817.

Teodorico A. Abara, 92, of Koloa, Kauai, a laborer with Grove Farm, died Sunday in Hale Omao Nursing Home. Born in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, the Philippines, he is survived by son Felipe; daughters Prisca A. Domingo, Anastacia Martinez and Columba Rombaoa; brother Alipio; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Visitation: 6-9 p.m. tomorrow at Borthwick Kauai Mortuary. Services: 10 a.m. Friday at St. Raphael’s Church, Koloa. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Kauai Memorial Gardens. Casual or aloha attire.

Melvin L. Alameida, 58, of Keaau, Hawaii, a merchant seaman, died Aug. 6 in Hilo Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by father Antone; sons Melvin N. and Zachrey Almeida; daughters Jami Adric and Melani Almeida; brothers Alfred and Mitchell Alameida and Robert Almeida; sisters Arlene Kokubun and June Kauwalu; and six grandchildren. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Liliuokalani Protestant Church, 66-090 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa. Call 9 a.m. to noon. Scattering of ashes: 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Alii Beach Park. Casual attire. No flowers.

Mae S. Arakaki, 61, of Kaneohe, a retired jewelry assembler for Blair’s Ltd., died July 25 in Straub Hospital. Born in Hakalau, Hawaii, she is survived by husband Roy H.; brother Thomas H. Shiroma; and sisters June M. Oshiro and Kinuko Tamashiro. Private services.

Alyssa A. Bajet, infant daughter of Rebecca and Ernest Bajet of Honolulu, died yesterday in Kapiolani Hospital. She is also survived by grandparents Catalino and Teresita Bajet and Susana Alipio. Services: 9 a.m. tomorrow at Borthwick Mortuary. Call after 8 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park.

Sarwan S. Bhatty, 73, died Thursday in Straub Hospital. He is survived by wife Manjit Kaur; daughters Goody and Kamla; sons David and Gary; brothers Hukam and Rattan Singh; and sisters Sant and Avtar Kaur. Services were held.

Torrie Bova, 64, of Maalaea, Maui, a retired marketing consultant, died Thursday in Maui Memorial Hospital. Born in Marblehead, Mass., he is survived by wife Louise D.; daughter Lynn Cook; sons Torrie III, Mark and Curtis; sister Violet Edwards; brother Richard; and five grandchildren. Private services.

Wright E.M. “Wrighto” Bowman Jr., 53, of Honolulu is survived by parents Wright and Elizabeth B. Whittington; wife Sharon R.; son Charles K. Nakagawa; brother W. Kent; and sister Claire M. Graham. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday at Bernice Pauahi Bishop Memorial Chapel. Call after 9 a.m. Private inurnment. Additional information for an obituary yesterday provided by the mortuary.

Hal J. Brabson, 85, of Kaaawa, a retired freelance news reporter, died Aug. 10 in Queen’s Hospital. Born in Kentucky, he is survived by companion Alice K. Coleman. Private services.

Marcelino S. Corpuz, 66, of Waipahu died July 31. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Felicidad; sons Virgilo and Cesario; daughters Leticia Justo, Zenaida Justo, Teresita Lacara, Mona Lisa Corpuz and Jenifer Subia; sisters Isang, Fausta and Ising; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Services: 7 p.m. Friday at Nuuanu Mortuary. Call 6-9 p.m. Services: 9 p.m. Saturday at the mortuary. Call after 8 a.m. Burial: Valley of the Temples.

Everett W. Faith, 54, of Aiea, a retired lieutenant commander with U.S. Navy submarine service, died Sunday in Honolulu. He was also chief of staff for Rep. Mark Moses. Born in St. Louis, he is survived by wife Roxanna; son Paul E.; daughter Katherine Simpson; stepson Gregory Palmer; mother Jane F. Hobold; stepfather Benard Hobold; and two grandchildren. Services: 2 p.m. Friday at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl. Reception to follow at Lockwood Hall, Naval Submarine Base. No pass required. Aloha attire. No flowers. Donations suggested to Hawaiian Humane Society.

Arthur P. “Grandpa Frank” Frank, 84, of Papakolea, Hawaii, a retired utilitiesman first class with U.S. Navy Seabees at Pearl Harbor, died Thursday in Tripler Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by sons Clyde G. and Arthur P. Jr.; daughters Susan L. Frank-Kama, Gwen Ahana and Sharon Keliiholokai; brother Hilarion Phillip; sisters Josephine Jeremiah and June Manini; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mass: 11 a.m. Saturday at Blessed Sacrament Church, 2124 Pauoa Road. Call after 9 a.m. Private burial.

Susan Y. Gima, 52, of Aiea, an employee of Mikasa, died Aug. 1 at home. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by brothers Kenneth T. and Dr. Orin T. Private services.

John S. Gorham, 73, of Kailua died July 29 in Castle Hospital. Born in California, he is survived by wife Yvonne L.; sons Stan and Steve; stepdaughters Lindsey H. Bracco and Mona L. White; stepsons Robert L. and Leonard D. White; sister Bobbie Deshlernos; and six grandchildren. Private services.

Mildred N. Harvey, 85, of Eden Prairie, Minn., formerly of Honolulu died Saturday at home. She was an executive secretary in an architectural firm. Born in Minneapolis, she is survived by brother Norris Nelson and sister Beverly Slater. Services on the mainland.

Sawai Hayakawa, 93, of Papaikou, Hawaii died Tuesday at home. Born in Hawaii, she is survived by sons Takeshi, Osamu, Hisashi and Kazuo; daughters Nancy and Fusae Hayakawa and Helen Hamasaki and Jane Okazaki; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Services over ashes: 2 p.m. Friday at Hilo Taishoji Soto Mission. Call after 1 p.m. Casual attire.

Shawn K.V. Isala, infant son of Lui and Sheryl of Honolulu, died Saturday in Kuakini Hospital. He is also survived by brothers Rick Abille and Anthony Isala; grandparents Inosia Isala, Allen Shima and Veneta and William Pa; and great-grandmother Felila Fagaiava. Services: 10 a.m. Friday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, makai chapel. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Mililani Memorial Park. Casual attire.

Hisayo Ishii, 80, of Honolulu died Aug. 12 in Straub Hospital. Born in Hiroshima, Japan, she is survived by husband Kazuo; son Takeshi; daughters Hiroko Nishida and Kuniko Misawa; brother Masaaki Tanaka; sister Reiko Ushio; seven grandchildren; and a great-grandchildren. Private services.

Alfredo A. “Nicanor” Julian, 80, of Pearl City died July 31 in Kapiolani Hospital at Pali Momi. Born in Laoag City, the Philippines, he is survived by wife Virginia I.; sons Alfredo E. Jr., Edwin E. and Eden E.; daughters Revelinda J. Viernes, Gladioly J. Kadokawa, Jean J. Abuel, Josielyn J. Agpaoa, Marissa J. Dafun and Maricel J. Fontenot; brother Gregorio; sister Alejandra Ignacio; and 15 grandchildren. Wake: 7 p.m. Friday at Mililani Downtown Mortuary, 20 S. Kukui St. Call 6-9 p.m. Mass: 10:15 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 1525 Waimano Home Road, Pearl City. Call after 8:30 a.m. Burial: Valley of the Temples. Casual attire.

Mikiko Kokubun, 71, of Wahiawa, a retired sales manager of Dole Pavilion, died Aug. 8 at home. Born in Waialua, she is survived by husband Harold T.; son Edwin Y.; daughter Sandra S. Nojima; brothers Sadao, Takumi and Steve T. Sawai; sisters Kiyoko Hoji, Emiko Sawai and Tazuko Utterdyke; and two grandchildren. Private services.

Mary F. Le Febvre, 76, of Honolulu died Monday in Straub Hospital. Born in Ashland, Ky., she is survived by husband Joseph F.; sons Joseph C. and Jim; daughters Sue Doyle and Mary Bartlett; brother Charles R. Hatchett; and six grandchildren. Mass: 12:30 p.m. Friday at Holy Trinity Church. Call after 11:30 a.m. Burial: Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery, Kaneohe. Casual attire.

Jack Y.H. Leong, 71, of Honolulu who died Sunday will be remembered in services 1:15 p.m Saturday at Diamond Head Mortuary. Call after 12:15 p.m. Burial: Diamond Head Memorial Park. Casual attire. Additional information for an obituary yesterday provided by the mortuary.

Tokuichi Marugame, 95, of Lihue, a retired irrigator at McBryde Sugar Co., died Aug. 4 in Wilcox Hospital. Born in Hiroshima, Japan, he is survived by daughter Hatsuko Tamura; sons Hiromi and Edward T.; brothers Harry and Toraichi; sister Sueno Miyazaki; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Private services.

Berit F. Mexia, of Honolulu, a teacher at Iolani School, died Thursday in Queen’s Hospital. She is survived by mother Ingrid Radl. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Alban’s Chapel, Iolani School. Aloha attire.

Matsuyo Mihara, 94, of Hilo, a laborer at Onomea Sugar, died Saturday in Hilo Hospital. Born in Hawaii, she is survived by sons Mitsunori and Mikio; daughters Hisao Mihara, Etsuko Tsunoda, Jean Tomosada, Marion Shintani and Masako Kawasaki; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Private services.

Yoshihiro Ogawa, 59, of Kahului died Monday in Kahului Hale Makua. Born in Wailuku, he is survived by wife Etsuko; son Roy; daughters Cindy Kagoshima; brothers Masachi and Hiroshi; sisters Midori Honda and Vivian Ueki; and two grandchildren. Services over ashes: 4 p.m. Saturday at Nakamura Mortuary. Casual attire.

Kenneth C. Oliver, 74, of Fort Collins, Colo., who was a member of the Honolulu Elks Club, died Friday in Poudre Valley Hospital. He served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. Born in Chelsea, Mass., he is survived by wife Jean; son Gregory J.; daughter Michele Rohner; and five grandchildren. Services on the mainland.

Anthony F. Palepale, 18, of Honolulu died Saturday in Kaneohe. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by parents Inoke and Elizabeth; sisters Oseola “Rose” Vakameilalo, Setetute “Tootie” Loketi and Lisa, Mary and Lovey Palepale; brother Apolinale Inoke Jr.; half sister Kristina Finau; and half brothers Taufaao and Faimafili-Mauga. Services: 8 p.m. Friday at St. Augustine Church. Call 6-10 p.m. Graveside services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Sunset Memorial Park.

Domingo S. Pancho, 78, of Keauhou Mauka, Kona, a retired houseman with Kona Surf Resort, died Aug. 10 in Kona Community Hospital. Born in the Philippines, he is survived by sons Eugene and Paul; daughters Jane Roy, Roberta Pemberton, Crisfina Timboy and Segunda Gandalera; hanai son Joseph Flores; hanai daughter Joyce Acol; 20 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Mass: 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Church, Holualoa, Kona. Call after 12:30 p.m. Casual attire. No flowers.

Alfred Souza Jr., 79, of Kailua is also survived by brothers Clarence and Manuel. Services: 1 p.m. Friday at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary. Call after 11 a.m. Burial: Nuuanu Memorial Park. Casual attire. No flowers. Additional information for an obituary yesterday provided by the mortuary.

Charles Y. Tawarahara, 72, of Honolulu died Saturday in Honolulu. Born on Kauai, he is survived by wife Bernice; sons Mark, Peter and James; daughter Ruth; brother Roy; sisters Lillian Yamada and Mildred and Amy Ushijima; and four grandchildren. Services: 11 a.m. Friday at Oahu Cemetery Chapel. Call after 10 a.m. Burial to follow. Aloha attire. No flowers.

Manuel Torres Jr., 63, of Ewa Beach, a stock car racer at Hawaii Raceway Park, died July 31 in St. Francis-West Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Diane P.; son Manuel III; daughters Crysentia P., Donna K. and Cathy Ann L. Torres and Diane S.K. Sheldon; and 10 grandchildren. Wake: 6:30 p.m. Friday at Mililani Mortuary-Waipio, mauka chapel. Call 6-9 p.m. Services: 9 a.m. Saturday at the mortuary. Call after 8 a.m. Burial: Hawaiian Memorial Park, Kaneohe. Casual attire.

Delphin Ubongen, 60, of Kapaa, Kauai died Monday in Wilcox Hospital. Born in Makaweli, Kauai, he is survived by wife Christine; daughter Melissa Salazar; sons Parrish, Karl, Jason and Brian; sisters Cresencia Campos, Emperatris Pimentel, Jean Travaso, Sarah Ubongen and Lavern Feaster; brothers Dorrik and Nicolas Jr.; and two grandchildren. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Kapaa First Hawaiian Church. Call after 9 a.m. Burial: Kauai Memorial Gardens. Casual attire.

Margaret B. Vorwick, 94, of Portland, Seattle and Honolulu, died July 18 in Portland, Ore. She was a retired real estate developer. She was born in Portland. Survived by daughter Margaret B. Cahill. Private services.

Ezekiel H. Wakinekona, 72, of Wahiawa is also survived by brothers Noah Parker and Billy Mendez. Additional information for an obituary yesterday provided by the mortuary.

Norman K.F. Wong, 63, of Honolulu, a retired meat cutter with Navy Commissary at Pearl Harbor, died Aug. 10 in Kaiser Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he is survived by wife Aileen; sons Melvin and Kelvin; daughter Terri Miyasato; brothers Charles, Raymond and Henry; sisters Thelma Fong, Frances Young, Evelyn Chang and Mildred Liu; and three grandchildren. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Diamond Head Mortuary. Call after 8 a.m. Burial: Diamond Head Memorial Park. Aloha attire. No flowers.

Priscilla P.P. “Pat” Young, 68, of Kuhio Village, Kamuela, Hawaii, a retiree of Waimea Elementary School, died Thursday in North Hawaii Community Hospital. Born in Honolulu, she is survived by husband Woodrow A.K. “Woody”; children Katherine E. “Trina” Kahapea, Ernestine M.A.S. Kealoha, Kim Michelle; Roberta L. Banks, Kenneth Akim Seu and Patricia “Kainoa” Hodson; siblings Melba K. Ching, Eloise E. Basques, Walter P. Yim, Margaret “Miala” Leong, Mary “Lani” Soon and Rowell and Andrew Yim and Charmaine Bowers; hanai daughters Cynthia “Moani” Akana and Debra L. Fuller; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Wake: 7 p.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Waimea. Call 5-8:30 p.m. Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Call from 9 a.m. to noon Burial: Waimea County Cemetery.