Kimie Yukimura Ozaki's Obituary
Kimie Yukimura Ozaki passed away peacefully at the age of 100 at Hi`olani Care Center at Kahala Nui, Honolulu, Hawaii. Kimie was born in Nawiliwili, Hawai'i, the second of 5 daughters to Umajiro and Matsu Yukimura. She grew up in Kapa'a, at the general merchandise store owned by her family. All the girls had their assigned chores and Kimie's was to prepare the family meals.
She attended the University of Hawaii where she completed her degree in social work and met her husband Shigeo Ozaki. Kimie was mother to Reid, Mona and Susan. She worked at the State Human Services Department.
Kimie was very involved in Waiokeola Congregational Church where she and Shigeo were founding members. There Kimie will be fondly remembered for all the plumeria, puakenikeni and ti leaf leis given to visitors at each service.
Kimie hand knit hundreds of personalized Christmas stockings cherished by family and friends, spanning generations.
Following her retirement, she volunteered at the Mission Houses Museum gift shop and with UNICEF, helping sell Christmas cards and gifts. She was also an avid supporter of local craftspeople, getting to know many of the artists.
She enjoyed her travels with Shigeo and others touring Japan and throughout the "mainland" visiting historic sites, friends, and family.
We are sure she lamented the fact that her children all lived so far away though she never complained. She and Shigeo frequented the Northwest to visit Reid and Mona, and stopped in Utah when they could to visit Susan. They made a point of being present whenever they could at important family events.
Kimie eventually moved from her home at Iki Place to Kahala Nui after Shigeo passed. This move affected almost everyone in her extended family, as she and Iki Place were always welcoming to family and friends visiting Honolulu.
She will be remembered for her outgoing friendliness and ability to engage with and have a conversation with just about anyone; her smile and laughter; her love of song and singing; her sharp retorts when she thought she was being tricked; and the deep-rooted friendships she maintained.
Kimie is held in the hearts of her children, Reid (Emma), Mona (Norm, deceased) and Susan (Kent); grandchildren Maya and Mica Wheeler, and Keli'I Clark; as well as extended Yukimura, Osaki, Ozaki family and friends.
Remembrances in Memory of Kimie can be made to Waiokeola Congregational Church. Kahala Nui Associates Appreciation Fund or YMCA of Honolulu.
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