CILEEN YAMASHITA Obituary

CILEEN SUAN TUTU ESPLANA YAMASHITA Cileen Suan "Tutu" Yamashita, 77, Beautiful wife, mother, aunty, cousin and friend went to Jesus on Feb 12, 2026 at home, as we held her hand. Cileen was born in Honolulu and grew up on Kauai. Graduating from Kauai High School, Tutu earned her business degree from KCC, then moved to Honolulu and worked at Hawaiian Telephone Company. She met "The Love of Her Life" Myron Yamashita and married on June 22, 1974. After her children were born, Cileen stayed home with each child until they attended preschool, then worked for the State of Hawaii-DHS until retirement. Cileen was a beacon of light, our best cheerleader, a faithful wife, full of life and caring. She loved us all, especially her young grandchildren, who helped care for her in her last year of life. Her favorite pastime was TALKING ON THE PHONE and she maintained her connections with all her friends and family with her long conversations, inquiring how everyone's life was going Cileen lived well and was lucky in life and love. Her entire focus revolved around her "honeybun", children and mo'opuna. She also loved all the other relatives AND Rose Napoleon, her best friend since 7th grade. My daughter Nicole and I were her caregivers as she battled cancer for one year. We were there with her 24/7 since November, when she needed us the most. God was merciful with Cileen. Her battle was almost without pain or discomfort, needing very little pain medication. The cancer never spread or caused internal complications. It never ballooned out or hardened. Cileen never cried, complained, whimpered, struggled or flailed. She never lost faith, but calmly and bravely accepted her fate. SHE DID NOT DESPAIR! or blame God or anyone for her misfortune. Tutu received her last rites the day before she left us. SHE WENT STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN! Our deepest appreciation to the Kaiser Oncology and Hospice programs, who performed cheerfully, with dignity, care and professionalism. Tutu is survived by Myron, husband of 51 years, daughters Marie-Elena and Nicole, son Keoni, grandchildren Keoni, Hauoli, Keahi, Hoku and Nalu, best friend Rose Napoleon, siblings Cecilia, Caesar, Harold, Virgie, Norma, Loke and Davilyn. Services at St. Elizabeth's Church, 99-312 Moanalua Road, Aiea 96701. Viewing on Friday, February 27 at 8am. Mass at 10am. Burial to follow at a later date, at Hawaii State Veterans' Cemetery. We miss you so much, Tutu. A hui ho! Malama pono! (Cileen's favorite words of farewell)