Janet Leinaala Chong-Kee's Obituary
Janet Leina‘ala Chong-Kee Obituary
July 23, 1929 - May 17, 2013
Janet Leina‘ala Chong-Kee, age 83, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013 at her home, in Kailua, O‘ahu, Hawaii. She was born on July 23, 1929 in South Kona, Hawaii to Minoru “Blacky” Nonaka and Clara Leilani Kiwaha Nonaka Shuttleworth.
Aunty Lei, as she is fondly remembered grew up in Ho‘okena, South Kona, Hawai‘i. She graduated from McKinley High School in Honolulu in 1947. During high school she was an ROTC Sponsor and a Swim Team Member.
Her work experiences included: The Bank of Hawai‘i where she worked for over 20 years and retired in 1994 as a Manager of the Data Entry Operations Group. Former employers also included: McInerney; YMCA, American Sanitary Laundry; SBC and IBM.
Aunty Lei married Robert “Bobby” Chong-Kee (deceased) in 1950, Honolulu, Hawai‘i. They were happily married for 50-years.
Aunty Lei was a member of ‘Ahahui Ka‘ahumanu, Island Choir, amongst other organizations. She enjoyed singing; travelling; shopping; ethnic cooking and baking; ceramics; lauhala weaving; feather lei making; macrame’; sewing; painting; volunteering; spending quality time with friends and family. She also received many awards for her leadership and volunteerism.
Janet Leina‘ala Chong-Kee was preceded in death by husband Robert “Bobby” Chong-Kee; Parents Minoru and Clara; Brother Melvin “Sonny” Nonaka, former Honolulu Fire Chief; Sisters Barbara “Honey” Nonaka; Jahala Leilani Wright; Marylou Wilkins and Sheila Ellis. Dogs Tammy, Willie I, Willie II, Sparky, Barky, Hobo and Kolohe. Additionally, her memoir of animals included a Goat named Nannie, a Mule, a Donkey, Pigs, Chickens, Ducks and numerous birds, cats and fishes.
Aunty Lei is survived by her dog “‘Eleu”; cats “Gracie”, “Kitty” and “Bebe” and fishes. In addition to her brothers Gordon Leslie and Michael Nonaka; her Twin Sisters Charlotte Maile (Robert) Flores of Kealakekua, HI and Carolyn Momi (Arthur) Chang of Kahalu‘u, O‘ahu and her many nieces and nephews and other relatives.
A memorial service followed by a burial will be held at Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel located at 45-425 Kamehameha Highway, Kane‘ohe, Hawai‘i from 9:30 am.-1:30 pm. May 30, 2013. Food and refreshments provided. Aloha attire recommended.
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