Dorothy Katsunuma Obituary

DOROTHY HATSUE KATSUNUMA was born on August 3, 1919 in Pepe'ekeo, Hawaii, and passed away on May 16, 2025 at the age of 105 in Honolulu. She was the second eldest of six children born to Sojo and Ushi Jitchaku. As a young woman she moved to Honolulu, where she met and married Woodrow Katsunuma. They had two daughters, Kaylene and Diane. Dorothy was a renowned cook and was a chef at the Beachcomber hotel restaurant for many years. Dorothy took joy from feeding her loved ones and lavishing her friends and family with elaborate feasts featuring her delicious and perfect tempura and sushi. Dorothy loved to keep busy and was always creating things with her nimble hands. She learned to sew, crochet, knit, needlepoint, quilt and raise orchids, and she taught her children and grandchildren to appreciate creating and caring for things. Once retired, she passionately took up Hawaiian quilting, making wall hangings, bedspreads and table runners for all her loved ones. While she understood the importance of being industrious, she also enjoyed watching her favorite daily soap operas, following golf and baseball, and going to Las Vegas for a gambling vacation. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and was proud of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Woodrow Katsunuma, daughter Kaylene Mason, son-in-law Michael Ikegami, sister Kay Miyashiro, and brothers Charles, Barney and Chiso Jitchaku. She is survived by her daughter Diane Ikegami and fur grandbaby, Boo-boo of Honolulu, HI; granddaughters Diane Mason (Mick Thomas) of San Francisco, CA, and Carrie Mason of Berkeley, CA; great-grandchildren Rachel Nakatsu (Ricky) of Saratoga, CA, Lily Rockholt of Berkeley, CA, and Zachary Thomas of San Francisco, CA; and great-great-granddaughter Naia Nakatsu of Saratoga, CA. Dorothy is also survived by her sister Janet (Atlas) Arakawa of Daly City, CA. The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Nurse Carmen Davenport and CNA Jocelyn Lee who cared for Dorothy for over 6 years, providing exceptional medical and tender care at PCH. We would also like to acknowledge the Bristol Hospice team: Nurse Practitioner Divya Roberts; Case Manager Camryn Keyeski, and CNA Brenda Johnson - warm-hearted thank you for helping care for Dorothy during her twelve months in hospice and especially during her last days. Special thanks are given to CNA Brenda Johnson for her compassion and loving care of Dorothy, and for providing support to Dorothy's daughter, Diane. Private services were held on June 27, 2025 at Nuuanu Memorial Park. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC