Elizabeth "Sweetheart" Lau's Obituary
Elizabeth “Sweetheart” Lau passed away peacefully on July 5, 2018 at the age of 91 surrounded by her family. She was God’s faithful servant, a family matriarch, a successful businesswoman, and fittingly, a beloved sweetheart to the many people whose lives she touched.
She was the youngest child of Moses Barrett and Evangeline Lipano Keliikuli and grew up in Honolulu along with her brothers, Stephen (deceased) and Ernest (deceased). She was a member of Lanakila Church, Ekalesia O Ka Euanelio O Iesu Kristo from childhood where she served as a Sunday school teacher. She loved reading the Bible, discussing Scripture, singing English and Hawaiian hymns and being in fellowship with her Lanakila Church family.
In 1982 she added to her family’s successful group of lei businesses by opening Sweetheart’s Lei Shop in Chinatown. For 22 years, Sweetheart’s provided a variety of lei to those she always referred to as “the best customers”. The lei shop served as a connecting point for workers, vendors and customers who became dear friends and contributed to cherished memories.
Sweetheart often commented how blessed a woman she was in her life. She was married to a wonderful husband, raised a close and loving family, and owned a business whose lei and flowers helped commemorate many celebrations and special events over the years. Throughout her life she came to know and love the Lord and lived in a manner pleasing to God. She was a true example of Proverbs 31 which says “Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.”
Sweetheart was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Mr. Henry G.J. Lau, her son Leonard W.S. Lau, and her daughter-in-law Brenda. She is survived by children: (Wilhelmina), Henry (Adrienne), Gary Kali (Eri), Angel Yamashita (Boyden), Michael (Kathy), and 17 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Services will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. Visitation at 9:30 am followed by the service at 10:30 am and burial at 1:00 pm at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery.
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