Christina Espina Mark's Obituary
Christina “Chris” Ruth Espina Mark (March 9, 1924 – September 20, 2018), the second of seven siblings, was born in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, to Rufino and Marta (Dianopra) Espina, who emigrated to Hawaii from Libagon, Leyte, Philippines in the early 1920s. She was a 1941 graduate of Farrington High School. In 1943 Chris married Jacob Myeu Fah Mark; they had six children - Randall “Randy” (Elaine), Maureen Marx (Harold), Frederick “Fred,” Deborah Durham (Wes), Brian, and Teresa Kapana (Leighton). Chris was a longtime hostess for Spencecliff Restaurants, most notably at Coco’s Coffee House in Waikiki, where she greeted many “kamaaina” stars and crew from the entertainment industry before her retirement in 1986. She received a special recognition as an “Honorary Alcoholic” from Alcoholics Anonymous for her support of recovering alcoholics although she was not one. Chris’ passion was dancing. She was a member of Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association and a regular at their annual gala. She also enjoyed disco and often went to Rumours night club. Besides dancing, Chris loved opera, symphonies, live performances, arts and crafts exhibits, and festivals. She was an avid reader with eclectic interests that included history, romance novels, classic world literature, fashion and current events. Chris was a “hippie” ahead of her times and raised her children on health food, like brown rice and cod liver oil. She knew the latest fads and fashion trends, but being “penny wise,” shopped for bargains at the Kaimuki Goodwill store and thrift shops. With her senior bus pass, she often ventured to Chinatown to buy groceries. When not reading, Chris loved watching Turner Classic Movies. Chris was a colorful and complex being with a depth that only few knew and truly appreciated. She was loving, caring, thoughtful, romantic, independent, and stubborn sometimes. Chris was dearly loved and will be missed for the joy she added to our lives. Now, she soars with angels in heaven and delights in the true lover of her soul, Jesus Christ. Chris is survived by brother, Frederico “Pete” Espina, sister, Rosalia “Rose” Lasit (Tony), her six children, 16 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren. Funeral services: Friday, November 2, 2018 at Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel; visitation 10:00 AM; services 10:45 AM followed by lunch; internment at Valley of the Temples 2:30 PM. Casual attire, no flowers, donations, if desired, may be sent to a military veterans’ charity.
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