Helen Noelani McCluskey's Obituary
Mother, Wife, Business woman, Homemaker, affectionately known as "Aunty Noe" by all who were touched by her love and smile. She was called home by the Almighty Father on December 20, 2016, surrounded by family, as she fell into an everlasting peaceful sleep.
Born Helen Noelani Shaw in Hilo Hospital on October 9, 1916. The family moved to Wailuku, Maui where she attended St. Anthony Girls School and then graduated from Maui High School in 1934. The infamous Shaw sisters would catch the train every day to school from Wailuku up to H'poko. Her grandfather was the conductor, which they referred to as "grandpa's train".
Married and widowed twice, she loved life and traveled the world. Her first husband Maurice McCluskey was a true love story you often see in the movies. They had three children, Lester (pre-deceased) Lee and Lynn McCluskey, both of Makiki, Oahu. Her hanai son, James "Kimo" Perreira, lives in Hilo. God brought Kimo into her life the day she lost Lester!
Her second husband, Dr. J. Alfred Burden was the doctor from Maui that delivered her children. They were all friends from their old Beachcombers days on Maui. They traveled to Vermont, USA, where they eloped, got married, then spent a 2 week honeymoon in Tahiti, before returning home to announce their marriage to her children and friends.
Aunty Noe, a 3 time cancer survivor was the strongest woman ever! She had her entire stomach removed in 1991. At 4 ft. 10 in. and 58 lbs. she was as tough as they come. She commanded a presence that everyone fell in love with her smile and "good fun" ways about her. She will be missed by all those that she graced.
Noe loved parties, and this year reached her goal of eating Hawaiian food at her 100th birthday party. The last few months were tough, as she was confined to a hospital bed in the living room. The family would like to thank the many nurses and aides of Hospice at Home that helped to care for Noe for so long. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the local Hospice of your choice. Hospice Hawaii and St. Francis Hospice both gave exceptional care and love for Aunty Noe.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Sacred Heart Church on Wilder Ave. She was a member of the parish since 1966 when she moved to Oahu. She is a life member of the Catholic Womens Guild, charter life member of the Maui Country Club, and the matriarch of the A.K. Hussey Cousins Society, and the Victor Ohana.
Her son Lee will lead a Rosary @ 8:40 a.m., viewing from 9:00 a.m., Eulogy @ 9:45 a.m. Followed by a Catholic Mass @ 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Gordian Carvalho. The funeral procession will proceed up to the National Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl for burial, where Noe will be re-united with her 1st husband. Kahu Kelekona Bishaw will conduct final graveside prayers.
After services, the family asks that everyone join us at Punahala Apts. 2nd fl Rec Deck on Wilder Ave. for a lunch meal for her soul, and to celebrate her life with stories. Parking is along Wilder Ave between 8:30 a.m.- to 2:30 p.m.
We will all miss the mother's love of Aunty Noe, but we gain solace knowing that she is resting in a beautiful place, and that we will see her again one day in heaven. She is now seated at the big luau table with the rest of her family, as she was the last survivng member of many.
God Bless You!.............. Aloha 'oe! .......until we meet again.
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