Arlene Kawamura Obituary

ARLENE AKIKO KAWAMURA Passed away peacefully in her home in Aiea at the age of 83. Arlene was born on September 2, 1941 to Bing and Doris (Okada) Sumimoto on the Big Island. As the oldest, Arlene was expected to set a positive example for her brothers, Larry and Milton, by showing bravery at doctor's visits and excelling in her studies at Riverside Elementary School. She attended Hilo High School and went on to graduate from Hilo Commercial College, where she was recognized as "Outstanding Student," with a degree in stenography. Moving to O'ahu, Arlene joined the Hawai'i Department of Education in 1969 as a secretary and worked her way up through the Office of Instructional Services. While there, she volunteered in the campaign of a first-time politician, who took notice of Arlene's organizational skills and work ethic. After winning the election, he offered her a job in Washington, D.C., where she served as office manager for then-Representative, Senator Daniel K. Akaka. Arlene took a leave of absence from DoE to serve in D.C. where she made herself indispensable. Her leave was extended from the standard two-year maximum to four years from 1977-1981. When her extension was up, Arlene chose to return to Hawai'i and the DoE to be close to her brothers and their emerging families. Shortly after her return, Arlene transferred to Radford High School in an administrative role she elevated to School Administrative Services Assistant (SASA), which she helped define for the DoE. It was there that she met a kind and intelligent science teacher, Roy Kiyoshi Kawamura, who she married in 1984. Arlene served on several DoE subcommittees and as a lecturer on a 5-week SASA course. After leaving DoE in 1991, Arlene would move on to work as a private secretary in the Hawai'i Department of Transportation (1991) and Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (1992). While at DoT, she joined their Toastmasters Club and was named secretary and president. Arlene's dedication to public service was paralleled by community service for Reading is Fundamental Honolulu, a literacy non-profit organization that brings joyful books to children in underserved communities. She was a dedicated member of Shinnyo-en Hawaii, who made a profound impact in the lives of fellow practitioners. In her personal time, Arlene enjoyed crafting, such as making candy leis and rubber stamps, and writing letters, which came together when sending out gifts to friends and family in the mainland. To balance her mental and spiritual exercises, she worked out regularly at the YMCA Kalihi. Preceded in death by her loving husband Roy, Arlene is survived by her brothers Larry (Kim Anh) Sumimoto and Milton (Jean) Sumimoto; nephews Mark (Tanya Lawson) and Rick Sumimoto (Andrea Cheng); nieces Jan Ty (Shane Oram), Lyn Vi (Brandon Yoon), and Ann Sumimoto; and grandniece Kinley Oram. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Mililani Memorial Park & Mortuary, Mauka Chapel (North H-2 exit 2) at Ka Uka Blvd Visitation 9:30 a.m., Service 10:30 a.m. with refreshments to follow. Inurnment will be at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome. The family requests casual attire, no flowers, no koden. In lieu of koden, a contribution (donation/volunteering) in honor of Alene's memory is suggested to Reading is Fundamental Honolulu, Inc. at PO Box 61826, Honolulu, HI 96839. Mahalo.