John “Jack” Edward Bowen, 85, of Hilo died Dec. 7. Born in Washington D.C., he was a firefighter with the College Park, Md., Fire Department, became a Hazmat Trainer in Hawaii and worldwide, worked for C. Brewer and Co. and was a researcher for the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture. Memorial service at a later date. Condolences: Denise Marjarum, 5277 N. Salem Church Rd. Dover, PA 17315. Online condolences: homelanimemorialpark.com. Survived by wife, Anne Bowen; daughters, Maureen (Norbert) Figueira and Denise Marjarum of Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Homelani Memorial Park.
Robert Edward Payapaya, 74, of Kailua-Kona died Jan. 16 at Kona Community Hospital. Born in Honolulu, he was retired roofer and a U.S. Army Vietnam War veteran. Inurnment noon Friday (March 1) at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Casual attire. Survived by wife, Bernadette Payapaya of Kailua-Kona; sons, Brian Payapaya of Kailua-Kona and Brandon Payapaya of Kalaoa, Kona; sisters, Edwina Higa and Deborah Jean Payapaya of Honolulu; 16 grandcildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Akimi “Elsie” Yoneda Sakamoto, 97, of Kapaau died Dec. 30 at Kohala Hospital. Born in Kapaau, she was a cook at the former Luke’s Restaurant and a member of Hawi Jodo Mission. Visitation 10-11 a.m. Saturday (March 2) at Hawi Jodo Mission. Memorial service at 11 a.m. Casual attire. Survived by daughters, Lea Kei of Kihei, Maui, and Mae Oyama of Aiea, Oahu; son, Steve (Lori) Sakamoto of Honolulu; sisters, Doris Shigeta of Pearl City, Oahu, and Elaine Yanazaki of Honolulu; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Mercilies “Mercy” Priego Viernes, 88, of Keaau died Jan. 22 at home. Born in Hilo, she was an accountant for Spud’s and Young Laundry Dry Cleaners, assistant Chef for Waimea Falls Park and past member of Hawaii Ballroom Dancing Association, East Hawaii Chapter. Visitation 2-3 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Dodo Mortuary Chapel. Memorial services at 3 p.m. Survived by daughters, Melinda (Augie) Dias, Joreen (Belden) Dulan, Maejean “Tita” Viernes, Joselynn (Bob) Krause and Mia (Jim) Dorr; five grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; hanai grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
Dorothy (Dot) H. F. Yanagisawa, 89, of Honolulu, died Jan. 17 in. Born in Pepeekeo and raised in Onomea, she retired from Hawaii County Civil Defense, worked for C. Brewer and Co. and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Hilo. Private services held. No koden (monetary gifts). Survived by daughter Erin (David); sons Kyle and Dean; three grandchildren; brothers- and sisters-in-law; cousins, nephews and nieces. Arrangements by Nuuanu Memorial Park and Mortuary.