Betty Nojima Obituary

BETTY A. NOJIMA Betty Shizue Ariyoshi Nojima, 95, passed away on March 2, 2024 at St. Francis Hospice in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was born in Honolulu on May 7, 1928 to Ryozo and Mitsue Ariyoshi. Betty graduated from McKinley High School in 1946 and from the University of Hawaii in 1950. While attending UH, she met Isamu Nojima and they married on August 19, 1950. Betty and Isamu lived in Honolulu and Wailuku, Maui before moving to Kailua, Oahu where they lived for over 20 years and raised their three children. Betty began working for the State of Hawaii Department of Social Services and Housing, while on Maui, as a Social Worker II. During her 29-year career, she progressed to Social Worker V and returned to the University of Hawaii to earn a Masters degree in Social Work. Betty retired from the State of Hawaii in 1982. Betty spent her early years after retiring from the state working part-time and doing some volunteer work while also taking classes in ballroom dancing, haku lei making, bonsai, computers and even golf. Betty enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening, reading and family time. She was an extraordinary wife, mother and grandmother, sister and aunt, always at the center of family activities. Betty especially cherished her role as a grandmother - sharing in childcare, early learning, school activities and youth sports. Betty was predeceased by husband, Isamu, and is survived by daughter, Sheryl N. (Melvin) Horikami, sons, Sanford A. (Cory) Nojima and Michael H. (Sheryl) Nojima, grandchildren, Chad (Katie) Horikami, Leigh Anne Chang, Alison Nojima, Aaron (Amanda) Nojima and Kekoa Nojima and great-grandchildren, Mika Chang and Kaila Horikami. Betty is also survived by brothers, George R. (Jean) Ariyoshi and James M. Ariyoshi, sisters, Helen Y. Inase and June S. (Earl) Kuon and by numerous nieces and nephews. Private services to be held at Nuuanu Mortuary. Burial at Punchbowl National Cemetery. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC