Dianne Douglas Obituary

DIANNE TOMIE DOUGLAS Dianne Tomie Douglas, of Kailua, passed away at age 77 on December 9, 2024, at Adventist Castle Hospital in Kailua after a 12-day struggle with pneumonia and sepsis, brought on by a 19-year battle with Parkinson's disease. She was born on February 25, 1947, in Honolulu. Predeceased by mother, Yoshiko and father, Yonoichi Kitagawa. Survived by loving husband Ashley and son Ian; brothers Hiram and Eric Kitagawa and sisters Sumi Lim and Audrey Kitagawa (Gary Umeda). Dianne spent her early years in Kakaako. Dianne worked very hard during her childhood, helping in the lunch houses that her mother owned. While at McKinley High School, Dianne was at the top of the class in typing and was promptly hired by Lex Brodie to type his Christmas cards. With the few dollars she received as a Christmas bonus, she bought Mr. Brodie a tie as a gift. Dianne was always giving to others, even at an early age. Dianne worked at Dole Cannery as a trimmer during high school and part time as a flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines while attending the University of Hawaii. She eventually received two master's degrees from UH. Dianne formed many deep and lasting friendships at Hawaiian Airlines. Those friendships have lasted to this day. After graduating from the University of Hawaii, Dianne taught at Puuhale Elementary School until she was hired by Pan American World Airways in 1972. She enjoyed a successful and rewarding 32-year career with Pan Am and later with United Airlines, when Pan Am's Pacific routes were sold to United. Dianne was loved by passengers and coworkers alike, receiving many commendation letters from passengers and twice selected by her peers for "Crew of the Year." She retired from United in 2002. Dianne was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2006. Dianne met her husband Ashley while flying for Pan Am. One day, as Ashley was reporting for work, his eyes fell on the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Ashley and Dianne were married on January 17, 1987, and remained together for the ensuing 38 years. Dianne overachieved in everything she did: school, work, marriage, parenting and fighting the battle with Parkinson's. She was a loving and devoted mother and wife. And the doctors used to say she was "the healthiest sick person they had ever met." Dianne will be greatly missed by many people. Memorial Service will be at 6:00 p.m. on January 16, 2025, at Hosoi Garden Mortuary. Visitation at 5:00 p.m. Aloha attire please. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Hawaii Parkinson Association. Arrangements Provided By: Hosoi Garden Mortuary